A leading cancer charity in Northern Ireland wants a similar workplace ban on smoking to the one scheduled to come into force in the Republic on March 29th.
The Ulster Cancer Foundation claims such a ban would save hundred of lives ever year in Northern Ireland but the UK government has so far resisted calls to outlaw smoking in public places.
The charity said lung cancer is Northern Ireland's biggest cancer killer, with 850 people diagnosed each year.
However, the hospitality industry in the North is deeply opposed to a complete ban, arguing it is already improving air quality in pubs and bars.
Smoking will be banned in restaurants, pubs, hotels and other enclosed places in Ireland from March 29th.
