ClubsNSW Warns of Total Smoking Ban

By Annette Shailer

ClubsNSW has claimed a recent State Government survey that found poor air quality in outdoor smoking areas is most likely a campaign for a complete ban on smoking.

Conducted by the State Government’s Public Health Unit, the survey revealed that more than half the outdoor areas had readings exceeding the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit.

The survey based on 40 venues in Sydney and the Southern Tablelands attempts to bring into question the effectiveness of the indoor smoking bans introduced last July.

ClubsNSW CEO, David Costello, said the survey simply claims the air quality in outdoor smoking areas is inferior to the air inside a club where smoking bans are enforced.

“This unpublished study, which visited just 0.01 per cent of venues across the state, is most likely part of a campaign for a complete ban on smoking,” Costello said.

“Clubs have invested well over $400 million building outdoor areas so that smokers wouldn’t take their habit to the streets.”

“Common-sense says large, comfortable outdoor areas are the only way to control smokers, and restrict their butts from ending up in our street gutters and ultimately our waterways.”   

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[Wed 20/08/2008 03:37:52]