Smoking ban will start on Monday

JOEL RITCHIE

CLUBS and pubs in the Kiama Municipality are preparing to ban smoking in indoor areas from Monday.

The ban is the final step in a three-year State Government scheme that will bring smoking laws for licensed venues into line with restaurants, cafes, shopping malls and public transport.

Accompanying the changes will be a statewide advertising blitz, State Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) Verity Firth said.

Kiama Leagues club was well-prepared for the changes, general manger Steve Marks said.

Smokers would be allowed to use a new veranda overlooking Collins and Terralong streets that was opened on June 1.

Demolition of the sunroom to make way for an al fresco smoking and dining area was slated to start on Monday.

Mr marks said the al fresco area was due open at the end of August.

Flyers detailing the impending changes had been distributed to patrons and all staff had been briefed on the new rules.

"We have educated our patrons that the changes are the result of legislation," Mr Marks said.

Clubs in other States that have banned smoking in licensed venues had experienced about a five per cent drop in revenue.

"Some have experienced greater falls because they haven't been prepared," Mr Marks said.

"It will have an impact on all clubs, but it depends on the service and facilities provided.

"I think the implementation of the new laws has been as good as possible over a three-year period."

Kiama Golf Club assistant manager Gary Hooper said an open area next to the foyer would be open in time for the changes.

"We're not worried about the implications for business; we have taken all the steps to ensure we will continue to trade well," Mr Hooper said.

Kiama Bowling and Recreation Club secretary-manager Tony Woods said he expected a slight trade downturn when the changes came into effect. The club had shelved plans to build extensions to accommodate a smoking area.

"We'll use the walkway at the front of the club," Mr Woods said.

Jamberoo Bowling Club secretary-manager Jennette Campbell said the club was planning renovations to its veranda to accommodate a smoking area.

The patio-like extensions would be implemented in the future to protect smokers from the elements.

"You can't treat smokers like second-class citizens," Ms Campbell said.

Ms Campbell wasn't sure what the effect of the changes would be on trade.

"A lot of our patrons smoke " some people come in to have a smoke and a couple of drinks because they don't want to around their kids," she said.

Gerringong Bowling and Recreation Club secretary-manager Nick Condell said his club planned to open a new outdoor balcony in time for the changes to take place.

"The implications for our trade are a real concern," he said.