Ierland voert als eerste EU-lidstaat rookverbod in op werkplek en in de horeca (en)

Ireland has become to first country in the EU to ban smoking in pubs, restaurants and the workplace.

The hotly contested law, which went into place at midnight, has been labelled "landmark legislation" by Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern and is being keenly watched in the rest of Europe.

"We have arrived at a stage where a non-smoking environment is now being regarded as the norm in our society", said Mr Ahern, according to the Irish Times.

The prime minister cited a recent poll showing support for the move.

"[The poll] also shows that nearly three in four people who visited a bar in the last two weeks are non-smokers and almost 60 percent of smokers report that they will visit bars for a drink as often, or more often, after the ban comes into effect".

However, publicans in a country where social life often revolves around the pub have been up in arms about the measure which will see offenders fined 3,000 euro for smoking illegally.

Some have said they will ignore the ban. Others are being more pragmatic and investing in outdoor heaters so that desperate pub-going smokers can still have a smoke with their pint.