Media release:                                                                         March 28, 2009

Public support soars for 100% smokefree pubs & clubs

 NSW survey shows approval 80% and rising - and no loopholes

Four out of five people in NSW want pubs and clubs 100% smokefree – with no loopholes, says a new survey.

Cancer Council NSW – University of Newcastle survey findings published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health*  have shown:

• Public support for totally smokefree pubs and clubs, indoors and out, has risen from 72% in 2004 to 80% in 2006.
• 97% support a no-smoking rule in mostly-enclosed dining areas of licensed venues where smoking is currently permitted under NSW law.
• 70% support a no-smoking rule in mostly-enclosed non-dining areas of licensed venues.

The finding comes on top of studies from the UK presented at this month’s World Conference on Tobacco or Health in Mumbai, India, showing positive results from the UK’s recent smokefree pub laws. The UK laws are along similar lines to those of Queensland, where outdoor smoking areas must not be staffed.

The UK studies, using official data from before and after smokefree law implementation, showed:

• Reduced exposure and immediate health benefits for employees and patrons;

• Increased quit rates;

• Very high compliance, including smoker acceptance;

• Strong community approval;

• No increase in home smoking; and

• No adverse impact on business.

Reports from Queensland since its smokefree implementation have also shown health benefits, high compliance, community approval and healthy trade.

Says Stafford Sanders, co-ordinator of the SmokeFree Australia coalition of health and employee organisations: “This confirms the positive outcomes of effective smokefree laws, and shows why most Australian jurisdictions need to improve their legislation. 

“In contrast to the UK and Queensland, the NSW regulation, which relies on a mathematical wallspace calculation and does not effectively separate smoking-permitted areas from working and other non-smoking areas, has resulted in continued preventable exposure, legal dispute and confusion.

“We urge all Australian governments to consider the worldwide and Australian evidence and to act quickly to ensure no further preventable health harm to employees and patrons.”  

* Bonevski B et al, “Government slow to act on public preference for total pub smoking ban”,
doi:1111/j.1753-6405.2009.00347.x  www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122195901/abstract

Comment:             Stafford Sanders, SmokeFree Australia             ph. (02) 9334-1823    m. 0412-070-194

* SmokeFree Australia coalition for clean safe workplaces:
Action on Smoking and Health Australia; Asthma and Allergy Research Institute; Australian Council of Trade Unions;
Australian Council on Smoking and Health; Australian Medical Association; Cancer Council Australia; Heart Foundation;
Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers’ Union;  Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance; Musicians’ Union of Australia; 
Non-Smokers’ Movement of Australia

Back to SFAust index                                                                                   Back to SFAust news page