The smoking ban in hospitality: a cross‐border perspective from Ireland

This paper reflects on the recent introduction of a statutory smoking ban in workplaces in the Republic of Ireland (ROI). The aim of the research is to identify the arguments for and against statutory smoking bans and to explore the impact of such legislation on hospitality organisations.

In addition to the literature review, which examines evidence from other jurisdictions that have introduced smoking bans, the primary research is based on semi‐structured interviews with the managers of licensed premises in both the ROI and Northern Ireland.

Qualitative data based on the recent introduction of a smoking ban in the ROI indicate that, although the industry's concerns are understandable, hospitality businesses and their customers are adapting to the statutory smoking ban. The findings indicate that, to date, the smoking ban in the ROI has not adversely affected the licensed premises surveyed. However, the findings do indicate changes in consumer behaviour, which is consistent with press reports in the ROI.

This paper presents insights from both the ROI where a statutory smoking ban is in place and Northern Ireland where no such restrictions are in place. It is believed that this cross border perspective affords greater insight into the issues surrounding statutory smoking bans. Within the UK, the debate on the idea of a statutory smoking ban is ongoing; this paper seeks to provide a concise review of the issues within the context of the hospitality industry.