|
05/03/2007
Lighting-up fines cheaper across border
PUB-GOERS who light up will be up to 2,927 better off if they take their chances over the border rather than the Republic.
Anyone who lights up in a banned area will face a fixed penalty fine of 73 (stg£50) and up to 1,477 (£1,000) if prosecuted when Northern Ireland's new smoking ban begins in 58 days.
In contrast, smokers can be hit with a hefty fine up to 3,000 if they are prosecuted for flouting the law in the Republic.
The Republic will remain the toughest jurisdiction to get caught smoking as its pioneering ban on lighting up in workplaces and enclosed public spaces extends into the UK.
The more lenient fines proposed for smokers in Northern Ireland from April 30 may take the sting out of the tail for its famous cigarette tourists. It has been widely expected that the ban would put an end to drinkers, particularly in border areas, going north for a cigarette.
A spokesperson at the Department of Health for Northern Ireland said that the fixed penalties for smoking in an enclosed place will be finalised shortly.
Irish Independent
Back to
Media Watch
|
|
