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Smoking ban in outdoor areas

14 Dec 2011

Following extensive community and business consultation, Parramatta City Council has banned smoking in all alfresco dining areas it controls or owns, starting from 1 May 2012.

Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr Lorraine Wearne, said that residents, diners and businesses had been surveyed over the past 12 months to understand their concerns, the impacts of the proposed ban, and ensure Council was well-positioned to make an informed decision.

More than 900 participants took part in the survey, which found that 68% of residents and 60% of diners supported the smoking ban.

“The impacts of second-hand smoking have been well-documented and this new measure will be welcomed by many restaurant-goers, particularly those who frequent our popular Church Street, ‘Eat Street’ precinct,” Cr Wearne said.

“With our high concentration of restaurants and cafes, we’re quite different to many other metropolitan areas that have already implemented a similar ban, which is why it was important to engage with all relevant stakeholders,” she said.

“While the majority of businesses surveyed didn’t support the ban, Council is committed to working with our local establishments to minimise any impacts.”

Council will introduce an awareness and education campaign highlighting the new outdoor smoking policy over the next six months, and will also provide resources and, in some cases, financial support for businesses during the transition period.

The new policy will also see smoking prohibited within 10m of children’s playgrounds, sporting fields, sports facilities and bus and taxi stands.

Council will also write to the NSW Government seeking uniform outdoor smoking legislation across the state.

Media Enquiries:

Parramatta City Council

Media and Communications Advisor, Adam Leto

Tel: 9806 5083, 0414 190 221 Email: aleto@parracity.nsw.gov.au

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