Designing Outdoor Smoking Areas

With new legislation throughout Australia concerning smoking laws, you need to be fully aware of the regulations specific to your state. In order to keep your current patrons, to attract new clientele and to increase your revenue, you need to provide a well designed and compliant outdoor smoking area within your venue.

Your Outdoor Smoking Area can include gaming and non gaming areas. If you already have an existing outdoor area, with minimal effort and minimal expense, you can make the area compliant and at the same time improve your venues’ facilities.

Regardless of the size, the location or the demographic, your patrons should be comfortable in your outdoor smoking area.  As well as looking good, be sure that all materials used in outdoor smoking areas, especially flooring and upholstery, are resistant to weather, cigarettes and general wear and tear.

Under New South Wales legislation, smoking is only permitted in gaming areas that comply with strict ventilation guidelines. It is suggested that no more than a third of your machines be located in an outdoor smoking and gaming area. Similar to regular pokie room design, the critical elements of outdoor smoking and gaming design include privacy, comfort and lighting.

Player privacy is a crucial factor influencing the players’ comfort and how long they are likely to stay. The outdoor gaming area should be sheltered away from non-gaming outdoor smoking areas. If possible, in the outdoor gaming area, carpet is preferable to a hard surface.

Natural light plays a bigger part in outdoor smoking areas than for indoors.

It is crucial that gaming machines are positioned so that they are not affected by glare or reflections. Placing machines at right angles, or backing on to direct daylight can achieve this, particularly if you have a westerly aspect.

It can be difficult to control temperature in an outdoor smoking area, so it must be taken into consideration during the initial planning phase. Consider the use of gas or electric heaters, as well as under floor heating in the outdoor smoking area. For the warmer months, consider including fans or ducted blowers in the outdoor smoking areas.

Another aspect of legistlation is signage. You may need to delineate outdoor smoking areas in addition to displaying specific ‘No Smoking’ signs. You need to check on the legislation that applies to your state or territory.

A compliant and well designed outdoor smoking area will enhance the overall ambience of your venue and keep both your smokers and non-smokers happy.
By getting the facilities right you will enjoy the benefits of happy customers and increased revenue. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?

PROFIT BY DESIGN – www.innersphere.com.au