Smokers surveyed by Hamilton News say they would happily comply with the council's newly introduced smoking bans - if they knew where they could no longer smoke.
Smoking is now prohibited in Garden Place, Civic Square, Hamilton Transport Centre, Hamilton Gardens, within 10 metres of council playgrounds, council-owned or operated buildings, and around Waikato Hospital. The ban follows the adoption of a 'self-policing, educative' Smoke-Free Environment Policy by Hamilton City Council.
Hamilton News spoke to people smoking in Garden Place and at the Hamilton Transport Centre. None were aware of the new policy.
One smoker we spoke to, who declined to be named, said the ban was a "breach of smokers' freedom". His stance, however, was against the trend. Others said they were happy to refrain from smoking in areas where it was prohibited.
Bev Lennox, who was smoking as she walked through Garden Place last Monday, wasn't aware of the new policy but thought it was a good idea. She said she didn't smoke when she was in Brisbane, where smoking in public places is banned. "It works in Aussie," she said.