Smoke-free licensed premises: what will be the broader public health benefits? (letter)

On 2 July 2007, the Australian State of New South Wales (NSW) followed the lead of Ireland, Italy and some States in the United States and implemented a total indoor ban on tobacco use in licensed premises. The legislation, which now ensures all enclosed public spaces are smoke free (with the exception of the private gaming rooms in the Sydney casino), is expected to make an important contribution to reducing the public health burden of tobacco use. However, the potential benefits of such smoke-free policies may be broader.