Nightclubs will have to set aside a designated area for non-smokers.

Come January 1st next year – this will be a mandatory requirement.

The Health Ministry has banned smoking in public places, public transport, amusement centres and hospitals.

And according to spokesperson Peni Namotu – they are now moving into nightclubs.

We are taking into consideration the issue of passive smoking whereby non-smokers are exposed to second hand smoking which is something that can also affect their health.

The Ministry is now giving nightclub owners five months to comply and failure to do so may result in legal action.

At the beginning of next year – we will have to come in and enforce – on one hand it’s basically its them running the business – on the other hand we are considering the health of our people.

Some nightclubs already have designated areas for non-smoking patrons and more are likely to follow.