Pubs on the nose

VICTORIAN pubs and clubs face a smelly but unintended consequence of new smoking bans.

Clubs in Britain have been forced to test scented air conditioning to mask the smell of bad body odour in the wake of recent cigarette bans.

The prospect of body odour overcoming Victorian patrons has been noted by authorities, who are optimistic body hygiene is better here. Legislation banning smoking in all Victorian pubs and clubs will be enforced from July 1.

Clubs Victoria has noted developments but sought to make light of the prospect of smelly patrons. "I would be very surprised if this became an issue but maybe hospitality operators will think about installing showers and handing out soap," said Clubs Victoria CEO Mag Kearney.

Stinky odours ranging from old furniture and carpets to the smell of toilets have been complained about in Scotland since the new legislation was introduced more than six months ago.

Australian Hotels Association chief Brian Kearney doesn't expect any sweaty issues here. "I'm personally of the view that the level of smoke in our clubs now would not be so high as to block out smells like that," he said. Drinkers at Young & Jacksons Hotel said they would prefer bad smells to cancer.

Source: Herald Sun

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