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Introduction of smoking ban in bars and restaurants postponed for six to 12 months 

In order to "avoid unnecessary confrontation" with the Association of General Retailers and Traders (GRTU), the government has decided to postpone the introduction of the smoking ban in bars and restaurants for between six and 12 months, health minister Louis Deguara announced yesterday.

Asked whether this move meant that the government had given in to the pressure of restaurant and bar owners and decided to please them, Dr Deguara denied this was the case, adding that the government could have easily chosen the path of confrontation but this would have led to nothing. He said the government's aim is that the smoking ban will be introduced. "Whether it is introduced now or in six months' time, does not make a difference to the government," he said.

Despite saying this, later on Dr Deguara said that: "The GRTU had the ammunition and used it", thus implying and admitting that the government has been held to ransom by the bar and restaurant owners.

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