Perth City Malls Go Smoke-Free


Amendments to the City of Perth Thoroughfares and Public Places Law have been passed, clearing the way for Hay St Mall, Murray St Mall and Forrest Place to become smoke-free zones from 1 December 2013.

Heading into a busy festive season, the Lord Mayor said the City wasn’t expecting much resistance to the smoking ban as the desire for its implementation had come directly from the community.

“We undertook extensive community consultation in 2012 feeding into our Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, and a key outcome was the call for more smoke free areas,” the Lord Mayor said.

Putting the plan into action, the Council voted to amend the Local Law in January to prohibit smoking in its high-traffic pedestrian thoroughfares. The subsequent public comment period led to the amendments being passed in August.

Now the law making process is complete, Smoke Free Zone signage will start being installed and information packs distributed to surrounding businesses ahead of the public awareness and education campaign launch on 1 December.

“In the first six months we won’t be fining people, but educating them about the change, giving them time to adapt, and hopefully that will mean more people quitting,” said the Lord Mayor.

“The City already lead the way by banning smoking in alfresco areas back in 2009 and we’re committed to providing for the good health and wellbeing of our growing residential population, as well as providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for visitors.”

Smokers not adhering to the ban will initially be cautioned, up until 1 June 2014, after which offenders will start receiving infringements.

“When there’s a consensus among the general public on issues like this, citizens do a pretty good job of keeping each other in check,” said the Lord Mayor.

“Our hope is that people will consider the health of others, themselves and their wallet, and butt out before we have to fine them. We and our environment don’t deserve to choke on their harmful habit.”

For more information visit City of Perth