Some Perth’s city streets will be smoke-free beginning Tuesday, thanks to new vaping bans.
Following approval by the council in July, the City of Vincent Council announced last week plans to enact the ban in certain areas of Beaufort St., William St, Leederville, Mt Hawthorn, and North Perth.
The main streets affected by the ban are Oxford St. in Leederville, Scarborough Beach Rd. in Mt. Hawthorn, Fitzgerald and Angove streets in North Perth, as well as some nearby laneways.
Mayor Emma Cole of the City of Vincent stated that the realization was a key goal of the public health plan of the council.
“We have now achieved this goal, and I am thrilled to see locals and visitors enjoying the fresh air, clear of vaping and smoking in our amusement precincts,” Ms. Cole stated.
“Because vaping rates are rising throughout the nation, especially among the youth, the smoke-free zones will include no vaping and no smoking signboards.”
She stated that the council wished to inspire individuals to stop and discourage the younger generation from beginning.
“At the same time, it creates much more enticing town centers, where we relish our alfresco outdoor and dining and culture,” Ms. Cole explained.
“During the initial six months of the implementation, we will focus on educating our societies and increasing awareness regarding our smoke-free locations and the advantages of not being exposed to second-hand smoke.”
Officials will be able to come up with some decisions concerning the implementation of the new regulations after six months, pertaining to “some core aspects.”
Fines of $100-$200 will be imposed just six months following the lifting of the ban.
Libby Jardine, program manager for the Cancer Council WA’s Make Smoking History initiative, praised the City of Vincent for “paving the way” through this campaign.
“We hope that this will motivate other local authorities to prioritize tobacco control as well as open up smoke-free public spaces for the gain of their societies,” she stated “.
The amendments are in line with big cities such as Melbourne, which has created 13 smoke-free locations in the CBD.
Fears about community health prompted the City of Melbourne council to consider a ban near transit stations and other civic areas.
The council is determining which locations should be smoke-free and improving no vaping and no smoking signs in high-traffic areas throughout the CBD.
The prohibition is being considered potentially near council-owned estates such as Melbourne Town Hall on Swanston Street.
