Smoking to be banned in outdoor food and drinking places

ACT Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher MLA, said today that the Government had taken a substantial step forward in its efforts to reduce the harm caused by tobacco.

Ms Gallagher was speaking after the Assembly supported the Government’s Smoking (Prohibition in Enclosed Public Places) Amendment Bill 2009.

“This Government is committed to promoting good health and wellbeing, and protecting Canberrans from exposure to the harmful effects of tobacco smoke,” Ms Gallagher said.

“In 12 months there will be no smoking in Canberra’s restaurants, cafés and coffee shops. Pubs and clubs, however, will be able to designate an outdoor smoking area of no more than 50 per cent of their outdoor space,” she said.

“No person under the age of 18 will be allowed in designated outdoor smoking areas and the service of food or drink in those areas will not be permitted.

“This is all about protecting, workers and members of the public from exposure to tobacco smoke. Workers in the hospitality industry deserve the same protection that is provided to those working indoors,” she said.

Also contained in the Act is a ban on smoking at underage functions.

“With the ban on underage functions, not only will our children and young people no longer be exposed to the effects of tobacco smoke, but it will also reinforce the no smoking message, helping to reduce the likelihood of young people taking up smoking.”

“I am pleased the Assembly has passed this important legislation today,” Ms Gallagher said.

Tobacco consumption is the single largest preventable cause of premature death in Australia. An estimated 15,511 Australians die from tobacco related illnesses each year.

8 December 2009