Public spaces set to be smokefree

Smoking in entrances to public buildings to be stamped out. Photo / Paul Taylor

Napier and Hastings are taking further steps to be smokefree.

People in Napier will no longer be able to light up in public outdoor areas, including parks and sports grounds.

A similar move is on the cards for Hastings.

Napier people will also be unable to smoke within 10 metres of public building doorways, playgrounds and bus stops, including bus signs and bus markings.

Cafe owners too come into the firing line with plans to signpost Napier City Council-owned footpaths primarily set up for outdoor dining.

Napier City Council passed the Joint Smokefree Policy yesterday and it is to be discussed by Hastings at an upcoming meeting. If Hastings approves the policy, it will aim to stop smoking in Hastings City Square and the Central Plaza.

The policy is part of a wider government initiative to achieve a smokefree New Zealand by 2025.

Community planning manager Natasha Carswell said the policy was about "reducing harmful effects of second-hand smoke".

"I guess the indirect effect is we are providing more and more spaces that are smokefree which can make it easier for them to quit because smoke can be a trigger."

The policy is non-punitive, which means people cannot be fined for smoking in these areas but smokefree signs will be posted.

Concern was expressed over the implementation of the policy and Ms Carswell said it would be "phased in". She said it would focus more on encouraging people not to smoke rather than banning the habit.

At yesterday's meeting, councillor Faye White raised concerns about outsiders not enjoying themselves when visiting the area. She said it was common for foreigners to smoke freely in their own countries, so banning smoking in all cafes and bars might deter them.

"We're a tourist area, we might have to be careful we don't become too strict on our cafe rules," she said.

Councillor Michelle Pyke said the policy would not affect areas that were already smokefree.

"By and large, I hope Hasting joins us in this venture," she said.

This policy extends to all public events that are funded by the council or are held on council land.

Some 115 people put forward submissions to the council - and 95 were in favour of the policy.

It was noted at yesterday's meeting that some people expressed difficulty in quitting smoking because of the second-hand smoke in public places.

A 2013 survey showed 80 per cent of people across Napier and Hastings wanted public entrances and pathways to be smokefree. Nearly 50 per cent of people said they were more likely to visit such buildings if people did not smoke near the entrances.

This policy builds on the Smokefree Hawke's Bay strategy which was developed in partnership by Hawke's Bay District Health Board and Nagti Kahungunu in 2012.

It will be reviewed every three years and a bylaw or stricter regulations could be introduced if it proves ineffective.