Councils have had no adverse reaction to attempts to stamp out smoking at major venues after more than a year phasing in a Smokefree Policy in Napier and Hastings.
The policy was approved by the city and district councils in late 2015 and has been rolled out since the start of July last year, creating smokefree places and smokefree events, including major rugby and cricket venue McLean Park in Napier.
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Napier City Council manager community strategies Natasha Carswell, speaking after Hawke's Bay Racing announced a smokefree September 2 opening to it's three-day Spring Racing Carnival, said the policy is encouraged at the major venue rather than enforced, and has involved providing information to staff, new signs with "fresh air zone" messaging, and promoting smokefree events.
"As a city council venue, McLean Park is smokefree and has had new signage installed," she said. "The policy is not enforced but encouraged. We have not had any adverse reactions to going smokefree at our venues, staff have been supportive as have customers at these mainly family events."