Analysis: The introduction of the smoking ban 20 years ago this week showed we are sometimes more accepting of change than we might think.

In March 2004, Ireland became the first country in the world to ban smoking in indoor public places, including bars and restaurants. Every country that eventually followed suit wrestled with the same arguments. The bans were seen as a good idea for health reasons, but widely opposed as being against civil liberties, and potentially disastrous for the hospitality industry.

In 2005, only a third of British adults supported a full smoking ban in pubs, which was ultimately implemented in 2007. By 2014, 82% supported keeping it in place. No polling institute is even asking the question anymore....