Smoking will be banned at the Royal Queensland Show in Brisbane’s Ekka showgrounds precinct for the first time, the RNA says.
Queensland Health backed the RNA’s decision to remove the usual 13 designated smoking areas within Brisbane’s Ekka precinct.
RNA chief executive Brendan Christou said the move created a safer environment for families.
“Those wishing to come to the show and smoke will need to leave the showgrounds and access five off-site smoking areas located outside of the showgrounds,” he said.
Queensland’s chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young said one-in-10 people who died from smoking-related illness was due to second-hand smoke.
“Each year in Queensland about $6.1 billion in health costs, lost productivity and premature death can be attributed to tobacco smoking,” she said.
Dr Young said a widespread quit smoking campaign would also run until August 7 and will continue at the Ekka.
Cancer Council Queensland chief executive officer Professor Jeff Dunn said he thought the ban would encourage people to quit the habit.
“For the first time, Ekka patrons will be able to enjoy the show’s mix of entertainment, agriculture and education in a totally smoke-free setting, without the worry of second-hand smoke drift,” he said.
The Brisbane Ekka starts on August 7 and runs until August 16.