Council dismisses smoking petition

HOBART City Council’s planning committee has dismissed a petition arguing a further ban on smoking in the CBD will harm business.

Earlier this year, the council approved a ban on smoking in the block bounded by Liverpool, Murray, Collins and Campbell streets, including outside the Royal Hobart Hospital.

The extended ban kicks in next April.

Smoke-free zones at Franklin Square, Soldiers Memorial Oval Community Hub and the University Rose Gardens will also be imposed from October 15 this year.

Fines of $326 can be issued to people who smoke within the banned area.

Council has employed a tobacco project officer to help implement the ban.

However, a petition with 747 signatures was presented to the council in May raising concerns about negative impacts of further restricting smoking in the CBD.

Negative impacts outlined by the petition included potential economic impacts on businesses, perceived inequality in the treatment of businesses, perceptions of the victimisation of smokers and that increased smoke-free areas will not have the desired outcome.

The planning committee voted unanimously in favour of a report recommending the ban be upheld.

Deputy Lord Mayor Helen Burnet said the committee unanimously supported a recommendation to push ahead with the smoking ban.

“We are really keen to get good health outcomes for our community and have cleaner air,” she said.

The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council of Tasmania has applauded the council for setting a benchmark on tackling smoking.