Thursday 21 November 2002

APPROVAL FOR SMOKE-FREE PUBS UP 44% IN 4 YRS

NEW FIGURES RELEASED TODAY AT ANNUAL U.S TOBACCO CONFERENCE

New figures released today at an annual tobacco conference in San Francisco show approval for smoke-free bars among bar owners and employees has almost doubled since the law was introduced in California in 1998.

In 1998, 53% of people working in the hotel industry wanted their workplace to be smoke-free. Today after four years of smoke-free business, 76.5% support the smoking ban.

"This new information is extremely encouraging and discounts the concerns of the hotel industry about negative effects on business," said Dr Andrew Penman, CEO of The Cancer Council NSW.

"It also confirms research in Australia that demonstrates growing levels of community support for smoke-free environments, including pubs and clubs," he said.

Patrons of pubs, clubs and bars in California are also strongly in support of the Smoke-free Bar Law, with approval rising 28% in four years, from 58.7% in 1998 to 74.9% today.

Dr Dileep Bal and Dr Donald Lyman from the California Department of Health Services are currently in Australia to meet with public health officials about stronger tobacco control, and were thrilled by the new survey results.

"Owners of bars and restaurants have had four years to analyse the effect of the no-smoking ban on business and this survey shows that business is up and they have their balance sheets to prove it!" said Dr Bal.

Approval of smoke-free bars among current smokers in California has also increased - rising 86% in four years - from 24.3% to 45.1%.

"This is further evidence that now's the time to take action towards smoke-free pubs and clubs in NSW," said Dr Penman. "Hotel and club managers should be encouraged that a smoking ban can be a very positive step for business."

These latest statistics will be discussed at an open meeting at Parliament House today at 12:30pm. Dr Bal and Dr Lyman will be available in the Parliament House Theatrette (Macquarie St, Sydney) from 12noon for interviews.

For phone interviews, call: Lisa Johnston 0413 886 578 / 9334 1878