When were changes to smoking bans in NSW licensed venues announced?
In October 2004, the then NSW Premier Bob Carr announced that smoking in indoor areas of licensed venues would be phased out by July 2007. The reason for this decision was to protect workers and patrons in licensed venues from the adverse health effects of smoking caused by prolonged exposure to passive smoking. It was also to achieve a level playing field amongst licensed venues and the restaurant industry, and to ensure that proprietors such as licensees and registered club secretary/managers, patrons and staff had sufficient time to adjust to this transition. Amendments to the Smoke-free Environment Act were made in December 2004.
