Vol. 523 No. 5
215 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to the legislation on smoking by patrons in bingo halls, the responsibilities of hall owners, bingo organisers and customers in this regard; if there is an enforcing agency; and the way in which organisers can take action with persistent offenders. [21598/00]
The Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Regulations, 1995, prohibit and restrict consumption of tobacco products in a range of public facilities and areas.
With regard to bingo halls, smoking is prohibited in all public areas including the playing areas and circulation space.
It is the responsibility of the owner, manager or other person in charge to ensure that the prohibition on the consumption of tobacco products in these areas is indicated clearly by appropriate notices. The owner, manager or other person in charge of the facility has primary responsibility to ensure compliance with the regulations. If the response from the person in charge is not satisfactory, the matter should be brought to the attention of the environmental health department of the local health board.
A comprehensive new Tobacco Bill, which will cover all aspects of tobacco control including environmental controls and their enforcement, is currently being prepared in my Department.
