BY JULIE MOORE

THE smoking ban introduced in Northern Ireland six months ago, has worked out a lot better than many people in the hospitality industry were expecting and Omagh bar staff believe their workplaces are healthier as a result of the ban.

Research carried out by Ulster Cancer Foundation revealed this week that 93% of 200 Belfast bar-workers questioned felt that the smoking ban had been a success. The UlsterHerald found that view was reflected among pub/restaurant owners, their staff and most customers in Omagh.

Reflecting on his experience of the past six months, Omagh publican/restaurateur Mickey McElroy said, "Conditions are a lot better, no doubt about it.

"We found the reaction from customers to be extremely positive. We embraced the smoking ban from the Mr McElroy added, "We didn't introduce a smoking area to promote smoking, but you have to provide a service to those who wish to smoke."

The owner of Omagh's Rue added that "tens of thousands of pounds" had been put into creating the outside smoking area at the new town centre venue "and we are continuing to do that; it is very much part of the planning process," he added.

One smoker making use of Rue's outdoor smoking area – complete with heating facilities – commented that it was "a good set up," and that the heated area was "a good idea".

Rhonda McCutcheon, manageress of BarTenm stated she has had "no trouble at all" with implementing the ban.

"Everyone knows not to light up in here," she said. However she believes attitudes may change coming into the winter months, with no heating facilities installed on the premises as yet for smokers outside.

"BarTen is quite popular with families because it's so open-plan and the smoking ban probably has something to do with it too," she said.

One family enjoying the atmosphere said the smoking ban has been "brilliant.

"You can bring your children into a place like this now," said one mother, who admitted that she would have been less likely to have brought her children into a place such as BarTen prior to the ban.

A smoker at another town centre bar, however, believed that Omagh's pubs are not doing enough to cater for smokers.

"There's no heating out here," he said. "Even in summer, a breeze comes off the river. If it's a blowy wet day, you're definitely going to get wet.

If you are a smoker, this is where you feel at ease to smoke and socialize. But this smoking ban has cut out part of the socialization."

However, he added "As it goes on, people will get use to it."

UCF's research revealed that before the legislation was introduced, 26% of bar staff felt that they would have problems implementing the ban, but six months on only 5% of those surveyed have reported enforcement difficulties.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said the smoke-free legislation in April has meant that people have gone about their work and social activities free from the risk of exposure to second-hand smoke.

"The implementation of smoke-free legislation earlier this year has been one of the most major public health initiatives ever to be introduced in Northern Ireland," said Mr McGiimpsey. "Six months on, I am sure we all now find it hard to imagine a time when we were subjected to second-hand smoke, whether at work or even just out for a meal with family or friends.

"It has been no surprise therefore that public support for the smoke-free legislation has always been high and I am delighted to say, remains high. People clearly understand and appreciate the impact a smoke-free environment has on their health.

"I would like to thank everyone for their co-operation, the general public and businesses alike in ensuring that we have all embraced this opportunity to provide a healthier environment for us all now and in the future."

The North's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, said, "The smoke-free legislation was designed primarily to protect the public from the harmful effects of second hand smoke but I am also delighted to see that it has given some smokers the extra incentive they may have needed to quit.

"I have no doubt therefore that lives will be saved. We have the opportunity to reduce the many thousands of unnecessary deaths and smoking related illnesses we suffer as a society each year and the effects will continue for generations to come."