Ireland: another view

Regina writes: I am a smoker who moved to the UK from the Republic of Ireland two years ago. This was just before the ban came into effect over there. If businesses here in the UK want to know what effect the ban will have, they just need to ask retailers and the general public in Ireland. Pubs are half empty with those providing adequate smoking shelters doing the best trade. Numerous small coffee shops have closed down because, as we all know, it is the smokers who most often break for a 'coffee and a fag'.

Most people I speak to, when I return to Ireland, say that pubs are not the same and it is known that a lot of people choose to socialise in their own home. It has had a knock on effect on employment in the hospitality trade evidenced by my son who found it impossible to gain a job in the pub trade. Never heard of before!

The only positive outcome for me has been the delight of friends and relatives (the smokers, of course) when they come to visit me here in the UK and can smoke in comfort while having a drink, having finished a meal etc. It has make us emigrants feel more popular with our distant countrywomen/men!!