Cancer Council WA is calling on the State Government to close the loophole that still allows smoking in some outdoor eating areas, after a new survey* revealed overwhelming support for completely smoke-free pubs, clubs and bars across WA.
Cancer Council WA Make Smoking History Manager, Libby Jardine, said the findings send a clear message that West Australians want stronger protections for both patrons and hospitality workers.
The data shows there is no downside for business; in fact, many businesses stand to gain more customers by going smoke-free," Ms Jardine said.
"More than half of West Australians told us making venues completely smoke-free would make no difference to how often they visit, while a third said they would visit smoke-free venues more often.
In addition, three in four West Australians think that all pubs, clubs and bars should be completely smoke-free and vape-free.
"These results send a strong message that West Aussies want to enjoy a night out without being surrounded by smoke."
Ms Jardine said under current WA laws, pubs, clubs and bars, unlike restaurants, can still allow smoking in up to half of their outdoor areas, putting workers and patrons at risk of harmful second-hand smoke.
Smoke-free environments protect the health of patrons and staff, support people who want to quit, and make venues more welcoming for everyone," she said.
WA was one of the first states to introduce smoke-free laws, so it's time to take the next step and make all licensed venues smoke-free both indoors and out.
"Every step we take to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke helps create a healthier environment for everyone and makes it easier for those trying to quit to stay smoke-free".
About the survey*
- More than one quarter (26 per cent) of current smokers were trying to quit at the time of being surveyed.
- More than 75 per cent of WA adults think that all pubs, clubs and bars should be completely smoke-free and vape-free.
- Respondents were asked whether they would visit pubs, clubs or bars more frequently or less frequently if these venues were made completely smoke-free.
- More than half of WA adults (56 per cent) said making pubs, clubs and bars completely smoke-free would make no difference to how often they visited these venues, while a further 35 percent said they would visit smoke-free venues more often.
- Less than one in ten WA adults (9 per cent) said they would visit smoke-free venues less
- More than nine in ten (91 per cent) WA adults reported that if pubs, clubs and bars were made smoke-free, they would visit them more often or that it would make no difference to their frequency of visiting.
- Currently, around one in eight West Australians (12.5 per cent) smoke tobacco.
- To read the full report click HERE
