The Star Entertainment Group (“Star Casinos”) has announced today that it will move to make its properties in Queensland and New South Wales smoke-free indoors by the end of 2022.
State Government exemptions in both states currently allow guests to smoke indoors in high-roller rooms.
Heart Foundation comment:
The decision was warmly welcomed by Heart Foundation Group CEO, Adjunct Professor John Kelly. He said the announcement was particularly significant given the voluntary decision by Star to enact the policy in their “high-roller rooms” – the contentious last legal indoor spaces in which people are allowed to smoke on commercial premises in Australia.
“We have worked with The Star Entertainment Group in coming to this decision, and applaud them for recognising the move in community expectations in regard to smoking and their desire for smoke-free indoor environments,” Professor Kelly said.
“Further, Star has recognised the simple reality that such a decision is in the best health and amenity interests of their guests and staff.
The decision by The Star Entertainment Group sets a powerful precedent for other venues that still operate within the legal loopholes that allow indoor smoking.
“This decision by Star has to be recognised by other casinos with high-roller rooms, and the respective governments that facilitate these loopholes, as a sign that the world has moved on and recognised that smoking is a deadly addiction.
“We urge all other casinos, as well as the governments that regulate them, to join Star in working toward creating safer, smoke-free entertainment and work environments for all Australians.”
