Smokeless !

New South Wales is awash with building activity as clubs and pubs prepare to go " smokeless " on July 1 of this year. The late flurry of construction was the result of indecision about exactly what the new act means when it applies to " enclosed areas ".
Basically, the law bans smoking inside clubs and pubs but there is a loophole when an area is not entirely enclosed. Unfortunately the state government dithered and failed to spell out precisely what that means.
Some premises with a verandah considered it complied with the act because one side was open while others opted for " beer gardens " - which had a roof and no side walls.
There is still no clear cut definition and the industry has opted to make it's own arrangements - and hope they comply with the law.
It is a complex matter. At present, the law allows smoking in one designated area within the building and most establishments have chosen the poker machine, Keno and TAB facilities for that purpose. Most bars are smoke free and patrons are required to move to the designated area should they choose to light up.
This arrangement seems to have been accepted by most people, but pub and club management are wondering what will be expected when the new law comes into force. Will people demand drink service in the new, enclosed area - and will gamblers expect those facilities to be available there ?
Some are spending very little money on the gamble that smokers will take the new laws in their stride while others are spending big in expectation of a huge change in consumer habits.
Time is now short - and in just a few weeks it will become apparent who will be the winners - and who will be the losers !