Large groups of Australian men gathered in a venue to smoke
tobacco together in what they termed a smoke night. These lasted until the early 1940s. These events were socially significant, and often coupled with a
formal dinner, an
annual general meeting or a
musical revue. While the full spectrum of Australian men participated in smoke socials—from
Parliamentarians through to
Port Kembla workers—the smoke night held an allure of classy behaviour and social
respectability for participating men. Smoke socials were run by
football clubs,
charitable organizations,
civic organizations,
trade unions, and
governments. ==Further reading==