WA health experts are demanding the State Government close a longstanding loophole that allows smoking in outdoor areas of licensed venues, following new data showing the public has lost its appetite for secondhand smoke.

The Cancer Council survey revealed a groundswell of support for making WA pubs, clubs, and bars completely smoke-free, with a staggering 75 per cent of adults believing these venues should be entirely free of both tobacco smoke and e-cigarette vapour.

Cancer Council WA Make Smoking History manager Libby Jardine said the findings send a clear message that West Aussies want stronger protection from secondhand smoke.

Current legislation allows licensed venues to permit smoking in up to 50 per cent of their outdoor eating and drinking areas, while restaurants are strictly smoke-free.

Ms Jardine said the data shows businesses stand to gain more customers by going smoke-free.

“More than half of West Australians told us making venues completely smoke-free would make no difference to how often they visit, while a third said they would visit smoke-free venues more often,” she said.

The survey results dismantle traditional industry concerns regarding potential loss of patronage.

Only nine per cent of respondents indicated they would visit venues less often if they were made smoke-free.

Ninety-one per cent of WA adults reported that if pubs, clubs and bars were made smoke-free, they would visit them more often or that it would make no difference to their frequency of visiting.

“In addition, three in four West Australians think that all pubs, clubs and bars should be completely smoke-free and vape-free,” Ms Jardine said.

“These results send a strong message that West Aussies want to enjoy a night out without being surrounded by smoke.”

Beyond the comfort of patrons, the Cancer Council is highlighting the critical health implications for those working in the industry, who are frequently exposed to harmful second-hand smoke as a condition of their employment.

“Smoke-free environments protect the health of patrons and staff, support people who want to quit, and make venues more welcoming for everyone,” she said.

The push comes as smoking rates remain at 12.5 per cent. Advocates argue that maintaining smoking zones in social hubs makes the journey to quitting significantly more difficult.