Ireland's extending its smoking ban to bars/pubs from January 1st 2004. Should be interesting to see how it works out.
It basically extends the smoking ban (Applies in all work places). Removes smoking sections in restaurants, the smoking sections on long distance trains will also be removed.
The bar/pub ban is being pushed by bar workers. Once it is inacted they will have a very definite right to sue employers who don't enforce it for placing their health at risk.
In general smoking rates are going down quite a bit here although it's still high compared to say California. Generally though it's becoming more and more anti-social.
The other slightly strange environmental legislation here is the extension of the polluter pays taxes.
So far there is a 15¢ charge on all plastic bags. This has resulted in shoppers reverting to bringing shopping bags/baskets/backpacks and stores issuing reusable bags. It's been an outstanding sucess and it's rare to see a plastic bag these days. A lot of stores simply don't provide them at all anymore. (they might have paper, but you have to ask). Also if you do use plastic everyone looks at you like you're some kind of eco-scum! Old ladies "tut" etc.
They are now extending it to control litter:
Chewing gum's being taxed
along with a 15¢ charge on ATM reciepts. From the time the legislation comes into force the machine will give you an option of displaying your balance on screen or printing a reciept (at a charge)
Fast food packaging of a non-biodegradable type will also be subject to a 15¢ charge per item of packaging. These charges have to be individually itemised on the receipt and can't be absorbed.
