Jack the barman takes a leisurely puff from his cigarette, the smoke wafting lazily in the Sydney winter sun. He’s sitting on the terrace of a historic pub, where the scent of beer and tobacco lingers in the cool air. Around him, pub-goers are enjoying their drinks and smoking in a designated outdoor smoking area, while those inside dine without any smoke. This scene is a snapshot of Australia’s approach to smoking regulation, a model that could provide insight as the UK considers tightening its own outdoor smoking rules.

A look at Australia’s smoking laws.

With smoking rates falling significantly over the past 25 years, Australia’s policies and their impact on public spaces and pubs offer valuable lessons. In Australia, smoking rules vary by state, but generally follow a clear pattern: smoking in public places is heavily regulated to protect non-smokers and reduce smoking rates. Pubs and other venues are no exception. Over the past two decades, smoking bans have become a part of Australian life, evolving from indoor to outdoor restrictions. Outdoor smoking regulations in Australia are extensive. In Sydney, for example, smoking and e-cigarettes are banned in many outdoor public areas, including within 10 metres of playgrounds, in outdoor dining areas and at public transport stops. This is part of a wider strategy to create a smoke-free environment and reduce

Challenges for pubs

exposure to secondhand smoke. The impact on pub culture When barmen reflect on how much things have changed since they started smoking, they found that smoking was allowed almost everywhere – on trains, in cinemas and of course in pubs. Now, while smoking is still permitted in designated areas, these are generally located away from the main dining and social spaces. For many, the smoking area in a pub is a mixed bag. James Beltrame, 28, appreciates the social aspect of the smoking section. “It’s like a different dynamic,” he says, relishing the chance to meet new people while sharing a cigarette. In contrast, Kenny James, 26, finds these areas less appealing, describing them as often gritty and separate from the main pub activities. Despite these different opinions, one thing they all agree on is the

benefit of not having to deal with secondhand smoke while eating or socialising. The move away from smoking in the main areas of pubs reflects a wider societal change, where a smoke-free environment is being valued more. The transition to a smoke-free environment has not been without challenges, particularly for pubs and bars. Rob, a security guard who smokes during his breaks, remembers a time when smoking was more integrated into social settings. He laments that the increasing restrictions seem to be a form of discrimination against smokers, who feel they are being unfairly targeted. Pubs initially experienced some resistance from smokers who missed the ability to smoke freely while enjoying alcohol. According to Craig Shannon, head of Clubs ACT, some venues reported a 10% to 15% drop in revenue when the smoking ban was implemented. However, this effect lessened over time as regulations were gradually implemented and the social dynamics of pub culture adapted. Mick Bain, a Sydney pub owner, also observed similar trends. “There was a slight decrease in revenue initially,” he said, adding that smokers tend to drink more alcohol, affecting the end result. Still, the effect balanced out as more families began visiting pubs for meals in a smoke-free environment. Bain believes that smoke-free policies ultimately helped attract a wider customer base. Long-term benefits and business adaptation

In the long term, evidence suggests that smoking bans can have a positive effect on businesses, contrary to initial fears. Public health experts, including Professor Becky Freeman from the University of Sydney, argue that there were concerns about revenue loss, but the overall benefits to public health and the appeal of smoke-free environments outweigh these concerns. Freeman highlights that Australia’s smoking bans have played a key role in reducing smoking rates, falling from 24% in 1991 to just 8.3% today. This success is attributed to a number of factors, including advertising bans, plain packaging, high taxes on tobacco products and the establishment of smoke-free environments.

Looking to the UK.

The World Health Organisation supports this view, suggesting that the economic loss often associated with smoking bans is a misconception. Evidence points to the idea that smoke-free policies can increase the appeal of venues to a wider audience, benefiting businesses in the long run. As the UK government considers tightening outdoor smoking regulations, Australia’s experience is a valuable example.