Media Statements - New bans for smoking in pubs and clubs

31/10/05

New smoking bans will come into effect tomorrow with smoking restricted to one room only in Western Australia’s 1,900 pubs and clubs.

Health Minister Jim McGinty said the November 1 ban was an important step in protecting the health of patrons and staff from the harmful effects of passive smoking.

Mr McGinty said most of WA’s pubs currently allowed smoking in more than one room.

“The last thing people want after a night out is to return home smelling of cigarettes,” he said.

“These new laws will protect individuals from the harmful effects of passive smoking by forcing people to smoke in designated areas or outdoors.

“In WA, smoking is responsible for 1,500 deaths per year and is a major cause of disabling and fatal conditions including cancer and heart and lung disease.

“We want to protect the health of patrons at all licensed premises so they can enjoy a night out without their health being put at risk by the actions of others.”

The Minister said the November 1 ban was the latest step towards a total smoking ban in all enclosed public places by July next year.

The Government is also cracking down on the sale of cigarettes to children with tough laws expected to pass by the end of the year.

Mr McGinty said the Tobacco Products Control Bill 2005 was designed to cut the rate of smoking in WA, reduce the availability of tobacco products to minors and further diminish the influences of tobacco advertising.

The main provisions of the Tobacco Products Control Bill 2005 will:

require retailers to check for ID when selling tobacco products;
require anyone who sells tobacco products to be licensed;
ban point of sale advertising and limit displays of cigarettes to one square metre;
restrict the sale of tobacco papers, pipes and other smoking implements to people under 18;
double the penalties for people caught selling cigarettes to children;
restrict cigarette vending machines to licensed premises only;
prohibit hawkers of tobacco products;
ban the advertising of price discounting on tobacco products;
regulate the sale and promotion of herbal cigarettes and prohibiting the sale of confectionary and toys that resemble cigarettes; and
introduce substantial penalties for false or misleading statements by tobacco companies or others on health effects or harm caused by tobacco.

The Minister said the State Government's tough stance on the sale of cigarettes to children and a total ban on smoking in pubs and clubs by mid-2006 was an incentive for people to quit.

"All the research shows that smoking kills,” Mr McGinty said.

"For people thinking of quitting, there has never been a better time than now to do it.”

Individuals who are caught smoking in a restricted area may face a maximum fine of $500. For pubs and clubs, the maximum fine will be $5,000 and $500 as a daily penalty for a continuing offence.

Minister's office - 9220 5000