“Cars are a confined environment where the passive smoking risks to children are high” said AMA (NSW) President Dr Andrew Keegan.

“Tobacco control laws are tending to address smoking environments, such as cars, entertainment venues and outdoor areas where people are exposed to passive smoking.

“This type of legislation not only controls passive smoking, but discourages smoking as a social activity.  It’s a disincentive to smokers and helps those trying to quit.

“Pubs and clubs should not permit smoking in areas serving food and alcohol. The Smoke-Free Environment Act introduced last year still allows smoking in substantially enclosed areas and in outdoor areas where food is served.

 “The Oxford Health Alliance meeting in Sydney this week focussed on creating environments for good health, for example to encourage exercise or healthy food intake. This policy approach also applies to tobacco control. Smoking remains Australia’s major cause of preventable death and disease,” Dr Keegan said.