Clear the air: smoke-free outdoor areas

NEWSFLASH – 21 February, 2012
NSW Government announces new smoke-free laws including outdoor dining

Today the NSW Health Minister has announced legislation covering children’s playgrounds, sporting fields, covered bus shelters and taxi ranks, will be introduced in the spring session of parliament in 2012. Outdoor commercial eating areas will be introduced in 2015.

Smoke-free outdoor area legislation is part of a broader Government strategy to tackle tobacco – NSW Tobacco Strategy 2012- 2017

THANK YOU
When the Government came into power, smoke-free outdoor laws were not on their agenda. Attempts to broach the subject with them were met with silence and avoidance. Together we put it on the agenda, and together we can celebrate a “healthier” future for NSW where:

•    our children are not subjected to smoking whilst at the playground or playing sport, and
•    we can all enjoy a bite to eat smoke-free.

 

Problem

It kills
Smoking is the largest single preventable cause of death in Australia, killing more than 15,000 Australians a year. It kills more people each year than the combined total of alcohol, drugs, murder, suicide, motor vehicle accidents, poisoning, drowning, fires, falls, electrocution, snake and shark bites!

Exposure to second-hand smoke (inside or outdoors) increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other respiratory problems. The World Health Organisation and US Surgeon General both say that second-hand smoke is a health hazard and there are no safe levels of exposure.

People have a right NOT to smoke
When a smoker lights up in a busy public place such as an outdoor café table, bus stop or children’s playground, they are making more than an individual choice to smoke. They are also taking away the choice of non-smokers to enjoy public places without breathing hazardous second-hand smoke. The majority of our community want busy outdoor areas to be smoke-free and 82% of the population don’t smoke.

NSW Government inaction
Unfortunately, the current NSW Government has been silent on this issue. In the meantime our State is getting behind! The governments of Queensland, Western Australia, ACT, Tasmania and the Northern Territory have all introduced laws banning smoking in particular outdoor public places.

At least 60% of local councils have adopted policies for smoke-free outdoor places. We commend their leadership, however this has created a patchwork effect across the State that is confusing to both communities and businesses. The NSW Government can introduce smoke-free laws thereby ensuring that everyone can enjoy smoke free outdoor areas, regardless of their where they live.

Misinformation – Impact on restaurants and cafes
Some ‘vested interests’ are suggesting that smoke-free outdoor dining will reduce patronage. This is a myth. There is no credible evidence to show that it is bad for business.

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Solution

For the NSW Government to bring in smoke-free laws covering busy outdoor public places, with priority given to children’s playgrounds and areas where food is served as part of a business. The time has come for them to Clear the air and take these steps to protect the health of the community.

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Action

Speak out in favour of smoke-free laws for busy outdoor public places

Individuals
Raise the issue with:

  • Colleagues, friends and family – talk about it, use Facebook, email or Twitter
  • Your local Member of Parliament – write, call or meet
  • Media – letters to the editor, leave a comment about online articles, phone talk-back radio
  • Restaurants/cafes – let them know how you feel and ask them to get behind the campaign
  • Your local Council – encourage them to publicly support the campaign

Local Government
Show Council support:

  • Pass a Council resolution in support of smoke-free laws – download a Sample Motion
  • Tell your local Member of Parliament - write, call or meet
  • Write to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Health and the Premier
  • Publicise to the community – Raise awareness of Councils support for smoke-free laws and encourage people to speak out in favour of it. Promote the campaign website: www.canceraction.com.au
  • ROC (Regional Organisation of Councils) – Table the issue for discussion at a ROC meeting and encourage other Councils to support the campaign
  • Advise Cancer Council NSW of any actions Council takes – localgovernment@nswcc.org.au

Restaurants and Cafes
Show your support:

  • Print campaign poster and display in your business as a proud supporter.
  • Tell your local Member of Parliament – write, call or meet
  • Restaurant & Catering Association – write to tell them about your support for smoke-free laws
  • Local/regional Chamber of Business – encourage them to publicly support the campaign
  • Go smoke-free – Why wait for State laws? Make your outdoor dining tables smoke-free now. It’s as simple as removing ashtrays and placing little ‘no smoking’ signs on each table.

To learn about how else you can take action on this issue or other issues then sign up to be the first to know. By signing up you’ll be the first to know about what’s happening in our campaigns and how you can get involved.

Do you have your own idea to promote, mobilise and take action on this issue? Please contact your local Cancer Council NSW office to discuss your ideas and the support they may be able to offer.

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Resources

See below for a list of resources that may help you in taking action on this issue:

Want more information or help on working on this issue? Contact us

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