North Sydney is considering banning smoking in its Central Business District – three years after Glen Innes did the same.
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The area’s council has just voted to ban smoking in every public place there.
In the debate, the Northern Tablelands town is being cited as the pioneer.
In 2015, the council in Glen implemented a total smoking ban in Grey Street from Lang Street to Ferguson Street; Meade Street, Bourke Street and Wentworth Street from Church Street to East Avenue.
It said at the time: “Council has identified these smoke-free zones, which complement and enhance the amenity of the CBD, as a positive step that reduces street litter and helps residents to enjoy a healthier community.”
Smoking was not banned in Grovers Lane, the car parks of the Town Hall, McDonalds, Life Choices or Parker Place.
The exemptions were also the carparks of Coles, the Services Club and Woolworths because they were private land.
On top of that, in Glen Innes, there is a smoking ban
- Within ten metres of children’s play equipment in outdoor public places;
- In spectator areas of sports grounds;
- Public swimming pool complexes;
- Public transport stops and stations;
- Taxi ranks;
- In commercial outdoor dining areas and within four metres of these areas.
In North Sydney, the mayor hopes to emulate Glen Innes. The proposal now goes to community consultation but Mayor Jilly Gibson said: “"Why not try these big ideas?"
In Sydney some of the debate has been about enforcing a ban..
There are “no smoking area” signs all along Grey Street.
Attitudes may have changed like they did with smoking bans inside pubs and restaurants.
Where Glen goes, North Sydney may follow.
