Media release: June 2, 2009
The
ACT government’s move to make public food and drink service areas smokefree by
the end of 2010 has been enthusiastically welcomed by public health and employee
organisations.
The
SmokeFree Australia coalition has congratulated ACT Health Minister Katy
Gallagher on what it calls “a responsible measure, entirely consistent with
public health, international law, occupational health and safety, independent
research evidence and strong community support.”
Says
SmokeFree Australia co-ordinator Stafford Sanders: “This will be a very
popular step. Secondhand tobacco smoke is a highly toxic, carcinogenic workplace
contaminant. There is no safe level of exposure, and removing a wall or two
doesn’t protect.
“Particularly
at risk are children, people with disabilities, and also employees because of
their repeated exposure. These people especially will breathe a sigh of relief.
“Fears
expressed in some quarter over costs and enforceability are misplaced.
Experience shows that measures as strongly supported by the community as this
quickly become largely self-enforcing. Most smokers accept this as a reasonable
step and the few objections will fade quickly.
“No
trade will be lost, smokefree venues attracting many more people than they
deter.
“We
commend Minister Gallagher and her government. We call on all ACT political
parties to support the measure and ensure its speedy implementation.
“Every
day’s delay is another day of preventable health harm.”
See
health and economic research, legal responsibilities and state comparisons at
www.ashaust.org.au/SF’03
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