The Star Entertainment Group’s integrated resort in Brisbane, Australia, as well as all of its properties in Queensland and New South Wales will be smoke free by the end of 2022, Star announced last week.
The $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf, the country’s newest casino resort, will open with smoking confined to specified outdoor locations. The Star Sydney and Star Gold Coast will transition to smoke free over the next two years.
New South Wales and Queensland do allow indoor smoking in restricted areas and casinos have exemptions to help them compete against foreign competition for tourism.
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane will include four hotels, more than 50 restaurants, cafes and bars, retail shopping, and a casino. It is planning a late 2022 opening.
Star Entertainment Group Managing Director and CEO Matt Bekier, commented, “This move to go completely smoke-free indoors brings us into alignment with most of the hospitality industry and creates a better working environment for our staff.”
Australia’s smoker population has been declining in recent years, from 24 percent in 1991, 19 percent in 2001 to 11 percent today.
