The purpose of this policy is to promote the health and wellbeing of our communities by discouraging smoking in outdoor areas. The policy includes public outdoor areas that are smokefree across the district.

Following review, Council proposed to continue with the policy apart from some minor changes to assist with clarity. Council asked the community if any further changes were required to meet the needs of the community.

17 submissions were received on the draft Smokefree Outdoor Spaces Policy. Of these submissions, 6 agreed with the proposed option to adopt the draft as proposed, 2 did not agree with the proposal, and 9 did not have an opinion or did not select an option.

Submissions questioned the effectiveness of the policy and queried how it is enforced. Some suggestions made to put up more signage to encourage compliance with the policy. There were also concerns about vaping and the number of vape shops.

At its meeting on 22 May 2024, Council decided to adopt the policy as consulted on with the community. Council noted that smoking is not illegal and the policy does not include smoking bans - it includes maps of public outdoor spaces that are designated as smokefree and relies on community compliance with the policy supported by education and awareness. The policy is consistent with many other councils around the country who have similar policies supporting smokefree outdoor areas. Council has directed staff to undertake a campaign to increase awareness and compliance with the policy.

Council noted that the policy also includes the use of vapes. In regards to the number of vape shops, Council does not have a role in this area. The Ministry of Health are the agency responsible for the regulation of vaping products.

You can view the final Smokefree Outdoor Spaces Policy on our website (under Policies and Bylaws).