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 < Back Major Parties Vote Together On Smoking in Pubs August 28th 2006 Major Parties Vote Together On Smoking in Pubs The Government and Opposition have voted together to defeat a bill that would bring regulations for smoking in pubs and clubs into line with all other workplaces in NSW. The bill would have removed exemptions from the Smoke-Free Environment Act, including the controversial 25%-75% rule that allows the creation of ‘outdoor’ smoking areas that are primarily covered areas. "This means that bar staff will still be collecting glasses and emptying ash trays in a toxic atmosphere. It is a sad day for workplace safety, and a shocking lapse in the NSW Government’s duty of care for the public," said Dr. Chesterfield-Evans. The decision of the NSW Parliament to allow smoking in a workplace contrasts with the stance of governments in WA, QLD and Tasmania, where much stricter regulations have been put in place. "Twelve people die everyday in NSW, from smoking-related illness, and today shows that the Government and the Opposition have the same policy. Putting their mouths, and their vote, where their money is – in the Hotel and Tobacco Industries’ pockets," he concluded. |
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updated:
February 14, 2006
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