By Ruza Zivkusic
THERE are no smoke-free bars or restaurants in Brimbank but anti-smoking activists are looking forward to a change when the State Government introduces smoking bans in July.
All enclosed premises, including pubs and clubs, will have to butt-out from 1 July.
Only three venues in the West are already running their businesses cigarette-free, according to Smokefree Victoria, which is a collaboration between organisations interested in improving the health of Victorians.
Patrons of Seddon Cafe in Maribyrnong have been enjoying the smoke-free environment for the past year.
Brimbank City Council mayor Margaret Giudice said she was disappointed over Brimbank having no smoke-free venues but added that the coming law would be a healthy change for the residents.
The advocate for Community Advocacy on Gambling, Andrew Manning said a recent report for the organisation found that most of the 45 councils surveyed were aware of the smoking changes coming into force.
The unnamed councils that were not aware of the ban should “make a judgment call on how they respond or change their venue according to the law”, Mr Manning told Star.
Acting Senior Sergeant Tim O’Connor of Sunshine Police said he was unsure what effect the ban would have on venues, adding that he didn’t “expect any difficulties” from the customers who would be asked to go outside to light up.
Quit Victoria’s executive director, Todd Harper said any misbehaviour on the streets would not be related to the smoking bans. He said 70 per cent of people support the smoking ban.
“For those who work in pubs and clubs, they have been exposed to unsafe levels of second-hand smoke for too long,” Mr Harper said.
“These measures will help to ensure that they do work in a safe, smoke-free environment,” he added.
The owner of the Good Room cafe in Seddon, Simon Armstrong, who is from Canada and experienced smoking bans there, said it was only “natural” to say no to smoking inside, as many locals had asked for it.
“Smokers are resilient. If they want to have a smoke they’ll stand outside a building in minus 30 degrees or plus 30. Nothing will stop them,” Mr Armstrong said.
His cafe features a courtyard and outside seating for smokers.
Mr Armstrong said going smoke-free had improved his business.
“There’s been a lot of talk about how it would affect us but the community has been 100 per cent positive. It’s a minor inconvenience for smokers but in the long run it’s in for the health of everyone,” he said.
Brimbank City Council was asked to comment on whether it was ready for the smoking laws but failed to respond before this issue went to press.
