What if a patron insists on smoking?
A patron may fail to notice that indoor areas are non-smoking. In such circumstances, a number of procedures should be adopted: • briefly explain that smoking in enclosed areas is no longer permitted • suggest they step outside if they wish to continue to smoke • if a patron insists on continuing to smoke in the enclosed area, there is an obligation to ask the person to leave that area • management should develop a policy for situations where a patron doesn’t leave the area when requested. If the person continues to smoke and doesn’t leave the area, the licensee, club secretary or manager should implement their policy for situations where a patron’s behaviour is unacceptable. Some smokers may be upset about the smoke-free requirement because of their nicotine dependence. However, experience shows that most smokers will be happy to comply.
