Item 9.8 - Attachment 1

Draft Policy

POLICY – Restrictions on Smoking in Outdoor Areas

Key Words: Smoking, Passive Smoking, Litter

DATE: May 2010

POLICY

General principles

· To create outdoor areas in the Parramatta local government area that are smoke free, and

· To develop community awareness of the impacts on health of smoking,

Definitions

“Smoke free zone” means part of an outdoor area in which smoking is not permitted. Each smoke free zone will be identified by the presences of one or more signs displaying the ‘smoke free zone’ phrase and/or internationally recognized signage identifying the area as smoke free.

“Smoking” means smoking, holding or otherwise having control over an ignited tobacco product.

OBJECTIVES

2. To provide for smoke free zones in the following locations:

a. In and within 10 metres of children’s playgrounds or play equipment;

b. In and within 10 metres of sportsfields and sports facilities. A condition of hiring Council sportsfields shall be that the above areas be smoke-free;

3. To protect members of the community from the health and social impacts of passive smoking.

4. To reduce littering and protect the environment from the impacts of discarded cigarette butts.

5. To provide a framework for the enforcement of smoking bans in the locations mentioned in the policy.

That Council prohibit smoking in the following areas:

a. In and within 10 metres of children’s playgrounds or play equipment;

b. In and within 10 metres of sportsfields and sports facilities. A condition of hiring Council sportsfields and sports facilities shall be that the above areas be smoke-free;

Education, Regulation and Enforcement

Council will:

· Erect suitably worded and strategically placed notices in the appropriate public places prohibiting smoking.

· Implement education programs, either alone or in partnership with State and health improvement agencies, to promote community awareness and acceptance.

· Work with sporting clubs and community groups to promote this policy.

· Undertake enforcement programs to support the implementation of smoke free zones.

Review date

The policy will be reviewed initially after the first 12 months of operation.

Ownership

To be advised

References

Parramatta City Council residents panel survey Health & Wellbeing, Nov 2009

Resource kit and survey 2009 Heart Foundation and ors