Support amongst smokers for Ireland’s smoking ban has grown by 30% since its introduction in March 2004.

A survey conducted by Tobacco Control found that support for the total ban in restaurants has increased from 45% to 77%. In bars and pubs, support has increased from 13% to 46%.

Almost 50% of Irish smokers also admitted that the law had made them more likely to give up smoking.

A separate study showed that smokers who supported the ban were more likely to ban smoking in their own homes.

Professor Gerard Hastings, Cancer Research UK’s tobacco marketing expert, said: “If we take these two studies together it is clear that once the ban is in place, as it is in Ireland, support for it amongst smokers soars.”

He added: “Furthermore, smoke free legislation encourages smokers to try and quit and increases their chance of succeeding. In short it’s a double plus for public health.”

By Alix Young

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week - click here to subscribe and save 25%.