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The
Protecting Children from Tobacco coalition* has written to the
show’s General Manager Michael
Collins asking that smoking be confined to a small number of
designated outdoor areas, to protect children from the known health
impacts of secondhand smoke. Mr
Collins has told the groups that there is not time to change existing
policy for this year and has suggested discussion of possible change
in 2011. Action
on Smoking and Health (ASH) first wrote to the Royal Agricultural
Society in 2003 asking for a smokefree policy for the Easter Show.
Its current no-smoking policy covers stands and fixed seating,
in line with NSW legislation. But
Protecting Children from Tobacco groups argue that it should be
extended to all areas other than a small number of designated smoking
areas, clearly signposted and set apart from main thoroughfares.
Says
Anne Jones of ASH: “The trend is for big family events and venues to
be smokefree – including the RAS
Show in Perth, Taronga Zoo, Carols in the Domain and many events under
local council control. “Rather
than fall back on minimum legal requirements, we’d hope Royal Easter
Show management would take
a lead in protecting everyone who goes to this iconic family event. “Show
management received a written request for this change in December last
year – and still has enough time to implement this policy. “Smokefree
policies are strongly supported by the public and are mostly
self-enforcing. Signage is readily available, and can be supported by
PA announcements. “This
is a reasonable request and there is good advice available on how to
implement it quickly and at low cost. “We’re
asking the Show management to reconsider its position, end the delay
and make the Royal Easter Show smokefree this year.” *
Protecting Children from Tobacco coalition: full list
of aims and 40 endorsing NGOs at
www.ashaust.org.au/lv4/ProtectChildrenEndorsements.htm
Comment:
Anne Jones, CEO ASH Australia
m. 0417-227-879
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Page last updated 1/3/2010 |
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