Govt, Opposition slammed over alfresco smoking

August 15, 2008

Perth risks becoming the outdoor smoking capital of Australia unless both major political parties commit to a ban on smoking in all alfresco dining areas, the AMA (WA) warned today.

"This is a serious health issue which neither the Government nor the Opposition will show leadership on," said association President Prof Gary Geelhoed.

"Fremantle and Perth city councils have shown the courage required to introduce bans within their districts, but we need Government to accept its responsibility by making the bans uniform throughout WA.

"Other State Governments are taking action and before long WA will be the only State in the nation where smokers have free reign in most outdoor cafes and beers gardens.

"The only people who will be happy about that is the Australian Hotels Association and the tobacco industry."

Prof Geelhoed said it was particularly disappointing that Opposition Health spokesman, Kim Hames, did not support a ban on alfresco smoking.

"Of all people, Dr Hames should understand the risks involved in passive smoking," he said.

Prof Geelhoed said the AMA (WA) and other health groups would continue to lobby strongly to have legislative action taken by Government to ban smoking in all outdoor dining areas, beer gardens and in cars carrying children.

"The community supports these bans – and wants them introduced," he said. "It's time politicians from all parties accepted that fact."

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