SMOKING BAN IN BELGIUM LOOKS SET TO BE EXTENDED
Back in 2002 when Ireland was preparing for the introduction of the smoking ban I was President of the Irish Hotels Federation .My presidency was dominated by this issue and negotiations with the Irish Government . In hindsight the right decision was made and the smoking ban has been a resounding success in Ireland. I have been watching the situation in Belgium with interest . A partial smoking ban was introduced in Belgium in 2007 and I believe that the Belgium Government made a big mistake by not introducing a total ban on smoking instead opting for a compromise version . Therefore you had a situation where smoking is allowed in some bars,for example ,and not in others . I read with interest therefore an article from De Nieuwe Gazet newspaper yesterday that the Government are now considering introducing a total ban on smoking in the hotel and restaurant industry .I support this move as the current legislation is confusing for both the industry and customers .My only concern is that this change is not due to come into effect until January 2010 . Why wait so long ,surely if it is the right thing to do ,this should be done a lot sooner .