No-smoking areas in bars 'only marginally better'

A study carried out in Australia has concluded that there was little point in having no-smoking areas in restaurants and bars as the levels of second-hand smoke were still high.

"No-smoking areas may provide some reduction in the level of exposure of individuals to environmental tobacco smoke. However, the reduction may be marginal or trivial," the researchers said.

Public health doctors in Australia carried out tests in 17 venues with both smoking and non-smoking areas.

While levels of nicotine and other chemicals were lower in non-smoking areas, they were still relatively high.

Writing in the journal Tobacco Control, the doctors from the Sydney Public Health Unit said only smoke-free venues offered people complete protection.

Doctors tested the air quality in both smoking and non-smoking areas. They found that non-smoking areas offered little protection from second-hand smoke. At the very most, they reduced smoke levels by 50 per cent.

The doctors said separate non-smoking rooms rated only slightly better. They too had relatively high levels of cancer-causing chemicals.

As these developments take place, the controversy in Malta over banning smoking in public places rages on.

Alternattiva Demokratika said yesterday it supported legislation protecting non-smokers from the health hazards posed by passive smoking.

Its deputy chairman, Mario Mallia, described the introduction of legislation protecting non-smokers as a "victory of civilisation".

"As a green party we unconditionally support the smoking ban in all public places. In fact AD was the first to propose this legislation in its electoral manifesto. As regards entertainment establishments smoking should only be allowed in specific enclosed zones.

"On the other hand, the government should appreciate the difficulties faced by the owners of catering establishments and bars to make the necessary alterations to make the law effective. The government should help these categories in restructuring their businesses to conform to the new law".