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Nation & World
Ireland bans smoking in work places
Beginning Monday, Ireland will enforce a ban on smoking in any enclosed work space, including over 10,000 pubs. Health Minister Michael Martin proposed the ban last year and surveys said the majority of Ireland's population supported the measure.
The Office of Tobacco Control said bar owners must place "no smoking" signs in windows and should alert police if offenders do not comply with the rules. Pub owners can be fined as much as $4,000 for every offense. Health Department inspectors and Health and Safety Authority employees will be responsible for tracking violations.
Martin said there will be a strong compliance with the ban since most people in Ireland do not smoke. However, pub owners say the ban could be bad for business. Members of the National Police Force said it is not part of their job to arrest smokers and that they have more serious issues to worry about.
Readership limited on children's book
A Wilmington, N.C., school recently limited the readership of a book about a gay prince to adults only. Freeman Elementary School board voted 8-3 Friday in favor of limiting the readership. Michael and Tonya Hartsell filed an initial complaint Monday when their first-grader brought the book home.
The book, "King and King," was written by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland, of the Netherlands. The two said they never meant to cause any controversy. In the story, Prince Bertie falls in love with Prince Lee after dismissing a number of eligible princesses. The book's final page shows the two princes kissing with a heart covering their lips.
Of the three committee members that voted in favor of allowing children to read the book, one said the story promotes diversity and love and could be used to explain issues, such as homosexuality, to kids.
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