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SYDNEY - A smoking ban has taken effect at pubs and clubs in Australia's two most populous states, but it's the timing of the measure that's riling smokers the most.
In future, anyone wanting to light up at pubs and clubs in New South Wales and Victoria has to go outside.
It is the height of winter.
"The weather is against us. Having this in the middle of winter really will have a detrimental effect," said John Thorpe, NSW president of the Australian Hotels Association.
Clubs have been running television advertisements to entice drinkers to new "everyone's welcome" outdoor areas built at a total cost of more than A$400 million ($444 million).
Australia first outlawed smoking in Australian airports, on domestic flights and on some international flights in 1992.
- REUTERS
