A stunned motorist was refused his driving test because the examiner refused to sit in what he considered to be a hazardous zone due the fact the car was owned by a smoker

In yet another example of the draconian nature of the Irish Smoking Ban legislation, non smoker Ben Dineen was refused his driving test because the examiner claimed his car smelt of cigarettes. The car he was using for the test belonged to his instructor who was a smoker. Ben had to fork out another fee for a second test some weeks later which he was able to carry out in the same car with another instructor. The department of transport responsible for driving tests backed up the decision of the original examiner stating "Vehicles presented for driving tests are regarded as an enclosed space and must be smoke free"

This whole episode raises serious concerns for smokers and non smokers alike. Will tradesmen and utility providers now refuse to enter or work in domestic dwellings where a smoker resides ? What happens if doctors and people providing emergency services refuse to enter premises where people have been smoking ? It would also seem under this daft legislation that persons engaged in law enforcement activities could for instance refuse to serve summons or enforce search warrants in areas they deem smoking has taken place !