• Casinos
• Restaurants/Cafes
• Bars/Clubs
• Prisons/Psychiatric Institutions
• Smokefree Cars/Homes
• Beaches/Sporting Fields/Outdoor Events
• Fire Safe Cigarettes
• Local Government
• Indigenous Smoking
• Make Smoking History Campaign

Campaigns for Smoke Free Areas in Public Places

ACOSH has vigorously pushed for restrictions on smoking in public areas. Recent changes reflect success in this area, but there still is a long way to go as ACOSH continues to work to achieve a Smokefree State. Some of ACOSH's recent activities in the fight for a smokefree state:

Burswood Resort Casino

Background

The main gaming room of the Burswood Intenational Resort Casino went smokefree from 21 December 2001. Most of the remainder of the facility from July 2006. However, the Casino operator sought a continuing exemption from the 'Smokefree Enclosed Public Places Regulations' for the 'High Roller Room' and the WA Government granted their request.

Back to Top

Restaurants/Cafes

On July 31st 2006, all indoor public places in Western Australia became smoke-free. There is still concern however for outdoor alfresco areas which still allow smoking near food.

ACOSH previously conducted a survey on members of the hospitality industry and patrons in Fremantle, West Perth, Leederville and Subiaco to assess attitudes towards the Regulations and possible future change. Initial concerns that the Regulations might adversely affect business were shown to be largely unfounded as 64% of owners stated the Regulations had a positive impact on business; just 8% observed a negative change.

Although a majority of owners expressed apprehension at the prospect of outdoor dining areas becoming smoke-free, the survey revealed most patrons endorsed the move.

At the beginning of October 2005 ACOSH launched a campaign that all alfresco dining areas such as courtyards, on footpaths or balconies should become smokefree. The then ACOSH President, Professor Peter Le Souëf, said:

"People love to eat and socialize outdoors in WA, especially during our beautiful summer months, but, nothing is more irritating when you are sitting down to enjoy a nice meal, or a good coffee and someone at the next table lights up. Areas where food is served must become smokefree; this includes all cafes, restaurants (licensed or unlicensed) and pubs."

“People with asthma and other respiratory diseases can suffer an attack from the passive smoke of others; even in an outdoor setting. Also, there are often children eating with families; their health potentially at risk. Not to mention the modelling of aberrant behaviour in front of children!”  said Professor Le Souëf.

This was a relatively low key launch as ACOSH was still in the midst of preparing for smoke free enclosed public places. However, it is noteworthy that ACOSH has received many calls from members of the public who are very supportive of this campaign.

Back to Top

Bars/Clubs

Background

Tobacco Facts for Pubs & Clubs (PDF file)

Since 1st July 2006, all pubs, nightclubs and clubs are smokefree in Western Australia. ACOSH continues to monitor compliance.

There has been a positive outcome as a result of the new smoking restrictions. A survey conducted by the Cancer Council WA showed that nearly 80 per cent of smokers have not been discouraged from going out to pubs and clubs and non-smokers are now going to pubs and clubs more often as a result of the new smoke free environment.

Back to Top

Prisons and Psychiatric Institutions

The Minister for Health, Jim McGinty, announced a review of smoking in prisons in 2004. He also made some comments on this during parliamentary debate on the Tobacco Products Control Bill, and made extensive comments to the media on this issue during August 2005.

On January 8, 2006 the Minister for Justice (Prisons), John D’Orazio announced that prisoners will no longer be allowed to smoke in prison cells from August 2007.

Following this announcement a delegation from ACOSH met with the Minister for Justice and urged him to turn WA prisons into smokefree environments. ACOSH then wrote to the Minister giving detailed answers to some questions he had posed. Unfortunately, there was a change in the Ministry and the momentum was lost. ACOSH continues to work on this matter.

With regard to psychiatric institutions going smokefree, while we are encouraged by the Minister's commitment, we are not aware of any significant progress in this area. ACOSH has been monitoring developments on this in other parts of Australia and overseas and will continue to work to ensure appropriate support for people in psychiatric institutions.

Back to Top

Smokefree Cars and Homes

A 2004 survey of over 1300 Australians in 800 households showed over 90% (including 73% of smokers) support banning smoking in cars carrying children. The evidence is compelling that smoking in vehicles endangers children by exposing them to second-hand smoke.

Both the AMA and ACOSH have campaigned on this issue over some years.

Dr Kim Hames, the Opposition Spokesperson on Health, introduced a private member’s bill calling for the banning of cigarette smoking in cars. It became clear that the government would not support the bill, and that the majority of members of his own party did not support proceeding with that legislation. He then proceeded to call for a public education campaign and the Minister for Health announced that the Cancer Council had been funded to run a campaign that specifically targets parents about the danger of smoking in cars and in the home when children are present.

Although smoking in homes is not banned, it can be a nuisance when interfering with neighbours. Here is an interesting article regarding this matter: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/no-ifs-no-butts--no-smoking/2007/02/27/1172338624538.html.

Back to Top