New smoking laws would save millions

Media release from the AMA (WA)

New smoking laws would ban smoking in all alfresco dining areas.

Legislation to reduce the ravages of passive smoking in WA will eventually save the community millions of dollars each year, the AMA (WA) said today.

"The toll from second-hand smoke not only claims lives but leads to hundreds of West Australians being hospitalised with heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory illnesses," said association President Prof Gary Geelhoed.

"Extending smoking restrictions to all alfresco dining areas, in cars carrying children and in a range of other public areas will result in a whole generation of young kids growing up in a much healthier and safer environment.

"The consequent savings in health costs will be enormous."

Prof Geelhoed said Alfred Cove MLA Dr Janet Woollard deserved praise for introducing the legislation and for working closely with Government, the AMA (WA) and other health bodies to ensure its passage through Parliament.

"When the laws are finally enacted, WA will regain its position as the leading state in the nation for smoking reform," he said.

"However, the medical profession is disappointed that the liquor and tobacco industries have been able to negotiate exemptions which will enable hotels to maintain smoking in open areas where non smokers and staff will still be exposed to dangerous second-hand smoke.

"The AMA appeals to WA publicans not to take advantage of these loopholes and to make their hotels totally smoke free in line with all other eating and drinking establishments.

"Hopefully, responsible hoteliers who aren't in the pocket of the tobacco industry, will do the right thing and provide a safe and pleasant environment for their customers.

"In time they will discover that this will increase their business turnovers, which has been proven in other countries where widespread smoking bans apply."

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