Establish a 'no drugs, alcohol and smoking' policy

It is strongly recommended that when establishing a ‘no drugs, alcohol and smoking’ policy, to contact your local sex worker organisation for information on implementing effective harm reduction measures around drugs and alcohol.

The Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 bans smoking in all enclosed or substantially enclosed public places, and in a number of outdoor places, including within four metres of the pedestrian access point to buildings and commercial dining areas. Bans are enforced by NSW Health authorised inspectors, who can issue on-the-spot fines. Breathing second-hand tobacco smoke can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and other lung diseases and it can also worsen the effects of other illnesses, such as asthma and bronchitis. There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.

The Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 defines a ‘public place’ as a place or vehicle that the public is entitled to use or that is open to the public (whether on payment of money, by virtue of membership of a club or other body, or otherwise). This means SSP such as brothels, BDSM houses and other places where the public visits would be considered public places.

The ‘no drugs, alcohol and smoking’ policy should be developed in consultation with workers and should outline:

• acceptable standards of performance and behaviour
• whether/when workers can consume alcohol on the premises
• the appropriate use of prescription drugs
• specific areas where all workers and clients can and cannot smoke.

All staff should be informed of the policy through meetings, memos and notice boards and you should post suitable ‘no smoking’ signs throughout the premises.

More information and free signage is available from NSW Health.