Re: Smoking Bans
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2007 6:41 pm
Anyone care to join me for a fine Cuban cigar in the beer garden?
Adelaide's Premier Development and Construction Site
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https://mail.sensational-adelaide.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=776
Libs want city smoking ban
BRAD CROUCH
December 16, 2007
SMOKING would be outlawed throughout the City of Adelaide for two days each year – as a start – under a world-first plan to be put to State Parliament.
Renegade smokers caught puffing in the streets, in parks or on footpaths during the prohibition would initially face a voluntary $20 "fine", rising to a maximum enforceable penalty of $200 once the system was in full force.
The ambitious plan, developed by the Liberal Party, aims to elevate Adelaide to a position to claim the title of cleanest and healthiest city in the world.
The smoking ban would cover the Adelaide City Council area, including North Adelaide.
However, private homes, offices and hotels with designated legal smoking areas and cars without child passengers would be exempt.
Liberal leader in the Legislative Council David Ridgway will introduce a Private Member's Bill in February. It is expected to pass the Upper House.
It will then go to the Lower House where Mr Ridgway hopes to gain support from health-conscious Labor MPs – including Health Minister John Hill, Sports Minister Michael Wright, Youth Minister Paul Caica, Children's Services Minister Jane Lomax-Smith and Substance Abuse Minister Gail Gago – to have it made law.
While the Bill is before Parliament, Mr Ridgway hopes to use 2008 as a trial run by having two days declared smoke-free on a voluntary basis.
The first would be the Friday before World No Tobacco Day on May 31, and the second would be Christmas Pageant day.
Mr Ridgway, a non-smoker, said the idea came to him while walking through the city and seeing how many cigarette butts littered the streets.
"I've always wanted to have a healthier, smarter, cleaner city where people are fitter and live longer, and this is one move in that direction," he said.
"I'll be asking people to give co-workers support so they can make a considered decision to give up.
"Lots of people can give up for a while – this is just one day at a time, and if it triggers some people into stopping, it will be well worthwhile."
Mr Ridgway noted it was not so long ago the idea of banning smoking in offices, restaurants or on public transport was greeted with outrage, but that is now accepted as normal.
He did not expect a permanent citywide ban "for many years" but did not rule out Adelaide becoming the first city in the world to completely ban smoking in public areas.
The Opposition will seek volunteers to hand out aids to quitting on the designated days as well as "fines" asking smokers to donate $20 to the Cancer Council.
If the law is enacted, Adelaide City Council parking patrol officers will be expected to hand out enforceable fines of up to $200 to rogue smokers in 2009 and 2010, with the proceeds going to the Cancer Council. The ban would be reviewed in 2010. Mr Ridgway expected a backlash from some smokers, including people who may deliberately light up on the designated no-smoking days in rebellion.
"There might be some people concerned about civil liberties who get their knickers in a knot but we are just talking about two days a year," he said.
Mr Ridgway's wife Meredith, a smoker, initially rejected the idea but now accepts the plan.
Action on Smoking and Health Australia (ASH) estimates smoking kills more than 15,000 people and costs the nation $21 billion each year.
ASH chief executive Anne Jones welcomed the move, provided it was linked to helping and educating smokers.
"There is a huge trend nationally to have smoke-free outdoor areas but SA has been lagging," she said.
"This is a great idea but it will need the support of health and community groups as well as support for smokers to help them give up for the day." Quit SA referred enquiries to Cancer Council SA chief executive, Associate Professor Brenda Wilson, who noted that one in five South Australians smoke.
"We support moves to further restrict smoking in areas where people congregate such as at building entrances, outdoor eating areas, sporting grounds and playgrounds," she said.
"We would prefer a consistent, ongoing and statewide approach to regulation change to prevent public confusion."
A spokesman for Substance Abuse Minister Gail Gago said Adelaide City Council already had the power to enforce outdoor smoking bans.
"Our concern is that it would be largely unenforceable," he said.
i was just about to say! soon they will be placing telescreens in all of our homes! :wank:ynotsfables wrote:I strongly urge people to read Goerge Orwells 1984 and see what BIG BROTHER really is all about.
No, I think anyone named richard who likes to be called "dick" will be hung out to dry next...ynotsfables wrote: What next not being able to say Ho Ho Ho merry christmas in public.
Lj Hooker will probably be targeted next.
They can look at it all they want, but I can't see that that would ever be allowed..::G!oRgOs::. wrote:What a terrible idea!
And some here are very ill-informed. Best thing to happen? Very nice beer gardens?
Come here and say that in 6 months time when all these beer gardens are full of pokies. Let me tell you that most places with beer gardens are now seriously looking at placing pokies outside since this is where patrons prefer to be.