AS TOBACCO bans come into force and the air clears in Victoria's hotels, patrons and staff are being exposed to other noxious smells at unprecedented levels.

Beer-fuelled flatulence, burps and body odour are no longer masked by cigarette smoke and some, even non-smokers, are beginning to question the merits of the ban, along with the personal hygiene of fellow patrons.

The owner of South Yarra's Chasers nightclub, Martha Tsamis, said there had been a "strong stench" in her venue since July 1, particularly on nights when the dance floor was jammed with cavorting couples.