You may be aware that The Dublin Jack banned smoking a few months ago (Shaky mentioned it at the time).  However, it seems that the government is doing all it can to sabotage this sensible initiative.  This from the Irish Examiner

The enterprising owner of the Dublin Jack banned smoking in his bar seeing an opportunity to court non-smokers. [Now it] is facing prosecution for sending its smokers outside.

Dubliner Noel Smyth was lauded in Hong Kong newspaper editorials for his move but he has received a notice for intended prosecution because alfresco smokers are causing “obstruction to the pavement”.

The government’s food and environmental hygiene department issued the proceedings saying it had received seven complaints from local residents and passersby about the blockage caused by smokers sitting on chairs outside using ashtray-covered wooden barrels.

However, there is hope:

The Health Welfare and Food Bureau (HWFB) has said they will give more slimline outside litter bins with ash trays to the bar to “facilitate” the pub’s no-smoking policy.

It is not clear yet whether the HWFB move will satisfy the hygiene department. 

I'm sure there isn't a law against smoking in the street, and it's not as if the Dublin Jack is in a quiet totally residential area of Hong Kong (it's just off Hollywood Road next to the Mid-Levels escalator).  Barmy.