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Jim McGinty


Sun 30 July, 2006

Pubs and clubs go smoke-free tomorrow

Portfolio: Health

30/7/06

Smokers who light up are being urged to respect bar staff and members of the public who ask them to butt out, once smoking is banned inside all pubs, sporting clubs and nightclubs from tomorrow.

Health Minister Jim McGinty said smokers who felt the need for a cigarette now had to step outside or face a $2,000 fine, while pubs and clubs that allowed smoking could also be hit with a similar penalty.

However, Mr McGinty said the smoking ban was not about punishing people but protecting the health of staff and patrons from the hazardous effects of tobacco products.

“We are all aware of the fatal consequences of smoking and there are serious health risks associated with exposure to second-hand smoke,” he said.

“Research also shows that people who drink and smoke have a greater risk of developing head and neck cancer.

“A recent report by the Australian Council on Smoking and Health showed the risk of developing head and neck carcinoma was up to five times higher in people who drank and smoked heavily than in people who only smoked or only consumed alcohol.

“Overall, smoking accounts for about 19,000 deaths in Australia each year, with about 1,500 of those deaths in Western Australia.

“The United States surgeon general's latest report on smoking and health also found that there is no risk-free level of exposure to second-hand smoke as it can lead to a number of illnesses and diseases, including lung cancer and heart disease.”

It is estimated that passive tobacco smoke is responsible for the deaths of at least 220 Australians a year and is costing the nation about $50million in hospital care alone.

The Minister said the smoking ban, which was being implemented with the co-operation of industry and health groups, also meant that more than 45,000 staff working in pubs and clubs throughout WA would no longer be exposed to dangerous second-hand smoke.

“With smoking banned inside pubs and clubs, now is the perfect time for smokers who enjoy a drink to kick the smoking habit for their own health and the health of others,” he said.

Mr McGinty said Quit surveys had found almost 80 per cent of Western Australians supported banning smoking inside pubs and clubs.

New provisions under the Tobacco Products Control Act would also come into effect tomorrow to reduce the availability of tobacco products to minors and further diminish the influences of tobacco advertising.

The provisions of the Tobacco Products Control Act would:
  • require retailers to check for ID when selling tobacco products;
  • prohibit the sale of tobacco papers, pipes and other tobacco smoking implements to people under 18;
  • double the penalties for people caught selling cigarettes to children;
  • restrict cigarette vending machines to licensed premises and mine sites only;
  • prohibit hawkers of tobacco products;
  • ban the advertising of price discounting on tobacco products; and
  • regulate the sale and promotion of herbal cigarettes and prohibit the sale of confectionary and toys that resemble cigarettes.
In addition, new licensing-related provisions to take effect from February 2007 would require anyone who sells tobacco products to be licensed, ban point of sale advertising and limit displays of cigarettes to one square metre.

“WA is proud to be leading the nation when it comes to combating smoking, with some of the most comprehensive tobacco control laws in Australia,” Mr McGinty said.

Minister's office: 9422 3000



Page last revised:25 Mar 2008