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Smoking ban clears air SOUTH Australia's hotels have embraced the smoking ban in indoor public places.Minister for Substance Abuse Gail Gago has praised the effort since it became illegal to 'light-up' inside pubs and clubs in November. "I'm pleased that the transition to smoke free pubs and clubs has been smoother than expected," says the Minister. "Since the start of the ban only three complaints have been lodged with the Health Department, clear evidence that the industry has made every effort to comply with the new laws. "Removing second-hand smoke from enclosed public places is an enormous step forward for public health." The Health Department's Tobacco Surveillance Unit has carried out 360 formal inspections along with random spot checks across South Australia over the past month. Venues such as pubs, gaming venues, night clubs, SkyCity Casino, sporting and community clubs, karaoke bars and bingo nights have all been visited. Minister Gago says there's been full compliance so far. "Tobacco Surveillance Officers will continue to visit all licensed venues, including after hours and on weekends, to check compliance with the new bans as part of ad-hoc patrols, routine inspections and complaint response," the Minister explained. "Business operators or employers who allow smoking inside face fines of up to $1,250. Smokers and hotel staff who flout the law will receive $95 on the spot fines. "Surveillance officers say there is a high degree of acceptance of the new laws with many hotels and patrons not only embracing but welcoming the changes." |
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