It is encouraging that in his rapid response Dr Fitchett supports the
ban on smoking in bars to protect the health of workers. However it would
have been problematic to have a smokefree law with an exemption for
Returned Services Association (RSA) club bars. This is because:
1. It would have been counter to the purpose of the law, which is to
protect the health of workers and non-smokers in all workplaces. Indeed,
most World War II veterans are non-smokers as this age group (over 78
years) has smoking prevalence rates of under 15%.
2. It would have created an anomaly in the law for one particular
type of club and hence an unlevel commercial “playing field” for other
food and liquor outlets.
3. It would have encouraged other types of outlets to apply for
exemptions (and hence risk further erosion of the law).
In summary the best type of smokefree law is a comprehensive one
covering all work places and public places – a level playing field.
Competing interests:
The author has done contract work for a number of health sector agencies involved in tobacco control.
Competing interests:
No competing interests
14 November 2005
Nick Wilson
Senior Lecturer (Public Health)
Wellington School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Otago, Wellington
Rapid Response:
The best smokefree laws are comprehensive ones
It is encouraging that in his rapid response Dr Fitchett supports the
ban on smoking in bars to protect the health of workers. However it would
have been problematic to have a smokefree law with an exemption for
Returned Services Association (RSA) club bars. This is because:
1. It would have been counter to the purpose of the law, which is to
protect the health of workers and non-smokers in all workplaces. Indeed,
most World War II veterans are non-smokers as this age group (over 78
years) has smoking prevalence rates of under 15%.
2. It would have created an anomaly in the law for one particular
type of club and hence an unlevel commercial “playing field” for other
food and liquor outlets.
3. It would have encouraged other types of outlets to apply for
exemptions (and hence risk further erosion of the law).
In summary the best type of smokefree law is a comprehensive one
covering all work places and public places – a level playing field.
Competing interests:
The author has done contract work for a number of health sector agencies involved in tobacco control.
Competing interests: No competing interests