Smoking Area Policy

• The smoking area policy is to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all employees working in smoking areas while maintaining a compliant environment for patrons, adhering to local smoking regulations.

Smoking Areas

• Smoking is allowed only in specified outdoor smoking areas, separate from areas where food or drinks are served, and these areas must be clearly marked and well-ventilated.
• Smoking is prohibited within indoor premises, including bars, seating areas, bathrooms, and all other enclosed spaces.
• Smoking areas are equipped with ventilation systems to reduce second-hand smoke exposure, and these areas are regularly maintained for safety.

Staff Responsibilities

• Employees working in or near smoking areas must adhere to safety protocols, including wearing protective gear such as masks.
• Employees working in smoking areas will be offered health assessments to ensure that their exposure to second-hand smoke remains within acceptable limits.
• Employees not assigned to smoking areas should take breaks away from smoking zones, ensuring minimal exposure to second-hand smoke during their shifts.
• Smoking areas must be cleaned regularly to ensure the safe disposal of cigarette butts and other waste.
• All smoking-related equipment must be checked and emptied regularly to prevent fire hazards and maintain a safe environment.

Non-Smoking Areas for Employees

• Employees not assigned to smoking areas may be required to work in or pass through smoking zones during their shifts.
• The club enforces a strict no-smoking policy inside all indoor areas to ensure a smoke-free environment for both employees and patrons.

Legal Compliance

• The policy adheres to all applicable local, state, and national smoking laws, including health and safety regulations aimed at protecting employees from second-hand smoke exposure.
• The club will follow guidelines set by local health authorities regarding the management of smoking areas and minimizing employee exposure to second-hand smoke.
• The release date is 6 February 2025 and review date is 6 February 2026

Support and Resources for Staff

• Staff experiencing stress or discomfort related to their work environment may access employee assistance programs for support.

Enforcement of Policy

• Any employee found smoking in non-designated areas or failing to follow health and safety procedures will face disciplinary action, including verbal warnings, written warnings, or termination based on the severity of the violation.
• Management will regularly monitor smoking areas to ensure that the policy is being followed and that employees are protected from excessive smoke exposure.

Communication and Staff Awareness

• All employees, especially those working in or near smoking areas, will be trained on the smoking policy and proper procedures for handling smoking-related situations
• Designated smoking areas will be clearly marked for both employees and patrons, and employees will be informed of their responsibilities regarding these areas to minimize confusion.

Employee Concerns and Feedback

• Employees who have concerns about working conditions related to second-hand smoke or other elements of this policy are encouraged to report them confidentially to the HR Manager or to a member of the WHS Committee. Concerns will be reviewed and addressed promptly.
• This policy will be reviewed regularly at the WHS Committee meetings to ensure that it remains in compliance with legal requirements and continues to meet the health and safety needs of all employees. Feedback from employees will be incorporated into policy updates as necessary.