A ban on smoking in designated outdoor eating and drinking areas go a “step too far”, according to a Leitrim Councillor and publican.
It comes ASH Ireland asked Galway County Council to add no smoking conditions to all new outdoor dining applications.
The conditions would only apply to seating areas on public streets and not those on private property.
Independent Councillor Felim Gurn says already there is sufficient regulations in place in relation to smoking in outdoor bar areas.
The Manorhamilton based councillor says more people are vaping and turning to smuggled cigarettes.
He says the introduction of the smoking ban in 2004 has done little to reduce the number of people smoking in Ireland:
