In researching passive smoking issues for a suggested 'best practice' model in Australia, I was asked -- no, urged -- by normally sedate and conservative tobacco control bureaucrats a number of jurisdictions (which had no legislation to limit smoking in indoor areas) to consider the issue of smoking in outdoor places of public assembly. This was clearly an Issue of Public Importance.

My own experience in the Australian Capital Territory -- where smokefree indoor air legislation has been in effect since 1994 -- was also that the public is unhappy about ETS exposure when they attend events at outdoor venues. I was aware of moves in the USA to prohibit smoking at such venues, promoted by statement such as, 'We wanted to make this the best family venue in California.' But in the 'evidence-based policy' environment of Australia, did this mean that prohibiting or restricting smoking at these venues is justified on health grounds?

I believe that there is evidence to support the view that, although people's ETS exposure in venues which are substantially or entirely unenclosed will normally be less than in enclosed spaces, tobacco smoke exposure in these circumstances can product symptoms of ill health. These can be a particular concern for vulnerable individuals such as young children, pregnant women and people who suffer from allergies and pre- existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Particularly in places where smoking in indoor environments is subject to legislative control, the community accepts (and expects) that they have a right to be protected from ETS exposure in confined areas. If this is protection is not provided as a matter of venue policy, there is no reason that it should not be included in smokefree public places legislation. Such a provision could refer to restricting or prohibiting smoking in a place or part of a place where, during an event to which members of the public are invited or permitted to attend, persons sit or stand in immediate proximity to each other.

If such legislation also has provisions which require reasonable steps to be taken to prevent tobacco smoke from penetrating non-smoking areas, then this should motivate building managers to ensure that outdoor smoking areas are located well away from building entrances and air intakes.

Margo Goodin Director, Tobacco Control Program ACT Department of Health and Community Care Canberra

The views expressed are the views of the author and should not be taken as representatives of the Department or of the ACT Government.