Media release: September 6, 2004
Health
and trade union groups have welcomed a decision by the Queensland government to
introduce a total ban on indoor smoking in pubs and clubs.
Says
SmokeFree Australia coalition spokesperson Stafford Sanders:
“This ban has the overwhelming support of affected workers, the
community, health and work safety experts.
“We
congratulate the health and union groups in Queensland who have worked so long
and hard for a total ban,” he adds.
“While
the ban could and should have been brought in earlier than the date of July 2006
announced by Mr Beattie, it is to date the earliest set by an Australian
government.
“We’re
also pleased to see total smoke bans on the way for large workplaces including
major sporting venues.”
SmokeFree
Australia has called for other states to implement a total indoor smoke ban in
licensed venues by mid-2005. “Such a deadline is clearly achievable,” says
Anne Jones of ASH Australia, “and is what the community wants.
“In
NSW in particular, ten years of consultation makes a mid-2005 date very
realistic.”
Anne
Jones said the Queensland government seemed keen to set clear guidelines to
prevent attempts by venues to avoid the smoking ban.
“We’ve
seen tobacco-friendly interests lobby successfully in the ACT for loose
guidelines allowing avoidance of the intent of smoke bans,” she says. “But
in Queensland, Mr Beattie will protect staff and patrons by ensuring that any
serviced eating or drinking areas connected with venues will be smokefree.”
Comment:
Anne
Jones, ASH Australia / SmokeFree Australia
ph. (02) 9334-1876 or m. 0417-227-879
Stafford Sanders, SmokeFree Australia
ph. (02) 9334-1823
SmokeFree Australia coalition
for clean safe workplaces:
Liquor,
Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers’ Union; Musicians’ Union of Australia; Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance; Australian Council of
Trade Unions; Action on Smoking and Health Australia; The Cancer Council
Australia; National Heart Foundation of Australia; Australian Council on Smoking
and Health; Non-Smokers’ Movement of Australia; Australian Medical
Association.