SMOKE-free dining has been implemented in Sydney for the last 12 to 18 months and now the Beach House will join the growing list of businesses that will implement it in Port Macquarie.
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From July 6 all commercial outdoor dining areas in NSW will be smoke free under the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000.
This means staff and patrons of hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes will be able to work and dine outdoors without being exposed to harmful second-hand tobacco smoke with Beach House manager Brent Tozer believing it was a good thing.
"We're planning on implementing it here four weeks prior to the cut-off date because we want to lead the way," he said. "We want to be the first off the bat and make sure our regular customers are happy.
"It can't come soon enough."
He believed the new working environment would not affect his business.
"At least 85 per cent of our customers are non-smokers which I think is because people are becoming more aware of their health these days."
Customer Matt Eastham said the new changes were a positive for families.
"It's good for the kids," he said.
"It gives people the chance to enjoy outdoor dining now because they're not wondering if someone is going to start smoking next to them.
"It's good for the waitresses too - they're not being subjected to second-hand smoke."
The Fig Cafe manager Billy Dietrich said they had implemented smoke-free dining for the last couple of years.
"It'll just make it easier for us when we have to explain to people why they can't smoke because it will be law now," he said.
"We're down near the children's playground so I've never encouraged it.
"It hasn't affected our business in any way."
Mid North Coast Local Health District's Acting Director Public Health, Greg Bell, said NSW Health was working closely with local businesses to help them get ready for smoke-free outdoor dining.
The legislation applies to all ignited smoking products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and water-pipes.
"Under the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000, smoking will be banned in seated outdoor dining areas while food is being served, with NSW Health Authorised Inspectors able to issue on-the-spot fines of $300 for individuals and penalties of up to $5500 for occupiers who ignore the ban," Mr Bell said.
"Since the beginning of 2013, smoking has been banned in a number of outdoor public places including all NSW public transport stops and stations, within 10 metres of children's playgrounds, at spectator areas of sporting grounds, at public swimming pools and within 4 metres of a pedestrian entrance to or exit from a public building, under the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000."
paul.jobber@fairfaxmedia.com.au
