In March 2007, Republic of Ireland became the first nation in Europe to impose a blanket ban on smoking in public places.
Under the law, smoking was banned in all workplaces and enclosed public spaces, including malls, parks and traditional Irish pubs. Smoking was even prohibited in moving vehicles.
The places where people could light up a cigarette included construction sites, prisons and mental institutions.
And to your misfortune if you are caught taking a drag along a road, be ready to shell out 100 pounds outright.
A month later, even Northern Ireland introduced the ban. The government's justification -- Smoking leads to 3,000 Irish deaths each year, with one death every fortnight due to second-hand smoke.
Image: A man smokes outside a bar on Parnell Street in Dublin, Ireland.
Photograph: Fran Veale/Getty Images
Also read: Stop smoking or an early death awaits you
Advertisement
