The health effects of passive smoking are well known. Passive smoking can cause a number of serious illnesses including heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and nasal sinus cancer.

Ventilation and air cleaning systems do not prevent high concentrations of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) developing, particularly in areas of heavy smoking such as bars and nightclubs. The only way to protect hospitality workers and patrons from the dangers of passive smoking is to ban smoking in enclosed areas.