By Annette Shailer
The Australian Hotels Association (WA) has expressed concern that Independent MP Janet Woollard, who is responsible for introducing an outdoor smoking ban, hasn’t done enough to educate the public about the new laws that start today.
From today (Sep 22), it is an offence for people in WA to smoke in all outdoor ‘eating’ areas, where people eat and or drink whilst sitting at tables.
However, hotels will be able to allocate up to half of their total outdoor licensed area for patrons to smoke outdoors.
AHA (WA) CEO, Bradley Woods, said the industry has done its best to accommodate the new legislation, but is concerned that people will be confused by the new regulations.
“There is no doubt that some patrons will be asking questions as to why the new regulations are necessary and the different applications between different outdoor areas and different venues,” Woods said.
“While the AHA has informed members of their new responsibilities I am concerned that members of the public are unaware of the changes that come into effect (today).
“The Independent member for Allfred Cove seems to have gone missing in educating the public on the new smoking bans.
“It is disappointing that the State Government was forced to take this unnecessary path on the urgings of a single independent MP as the industry was already doing the right thing.”
Under the laws passed by the state government last year, it is now illegal to smoke in the car while a child under 17 is present, within 10 metres of public playground equipment and between the flags at patrolled beaches.
Cigarette retailers will also have to hide tobacco product displays from public view.