Smoking bans in dining areas of pubs & clubs.
Being a non-smoker and HCW I can only applaud it. The thing I find
interesting is how long it has taken for such regulations to be put in
place.

This obvious progression of restrictions in public spaces has probably come
about because of the successful case of a bar worker sueing her employee for
smoking related illness resultant from employment. Suddenly there is an
interest from hotel owners to reduce the risk and liability for the ill
effects of the environment they provide in their hotel premises. An anti-
smoking party member of parliament undoubtedly aided the bills transition.

The recent local controversy regarding the social and financial problems
associated with the easy access to gambling has resulted in recent
legislation to curb the access to and environment in which the most common
electronic machines are played.

I asked 'what next' as a way of suggesting that both these problems have
been obvious for years but its not until the interest of the stakeholders,
hotel licences, politicians and the community are aroused will a
significant- health promoting-change occur. What next for those who had been
advocating this change? Will we be defending the encroachment of our smoke
free areas in a few years when a new generation of smokers or the arguments
of civil liberties win court battles protecting their rights? What will be
the next major health issue and will we be ready to meet it?

Health promotion to a new student like me is like a series of little
battles. You need to know what you want to achieve and prepare for the
battle, know who the enemy is and them wait for the best opportunity to
advance into battle.

Michael Talty
Sydney




----- Original Message -----
From: "Elizabeth Develin" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2001 7:23 PM
Subject: Smoking in dining areas of pubs, clubs and nightclubs banned as of
6th September


> Hello,
> New introduced has been introduced in the state of New South Wales (NSW)in
> Australia.
>
> The Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 requires most enclosed public places
in
> NSW to be smoke-free. Up until 6 September 2001, pubs, clubs and
nightclubs
> have been exempted from the legislation. However, from 6 September 2001
> (today) certain dining areas of pubs, clubs and nightclubs will be
required
> to be smoke-free.This is not a blanket ban in pubs, clubs and nightclubs,
> just a ban whilstfood is consumed in dining areas. Attached is a file on
> how the Act applies to pubs and clubs etc which has been circulated by the
> state health deppartment.
>
> I would be interested to hear from people in other countries about their
> local legislation - and any thoughts on this new legislation in Australia.
>
> Thanks.
>
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