From March 1, 2023, all Wellington hotel venues with outdoor seating on Council property will be vapeĀ and smokeĀ free.
To support Smokefree Aotearoa 2025, Wellingtonians are being asked to clean up the atmosphere in their favorite restaurants, bars, and pubs, as well as other establishments.
Enterprises with an open-air dining area that stretches onto the sidewalk will be vape- and smoke-free beginning March 1, 2023.
This transformation doesn’t quite apply to smoking spots on private property, such as porches, backyard food courts, rooftops, or exterior dining spaces that aren’t located on council-owned property.
These shifts to hospitality venues join the list of places in Wellington City that are currently vape and smoke-free, including Truby King parks, Midland, Waitangi, bus stops, sportsfields, skate parks, playgrounds, andĀ beaches, the Botanic Garden,Ā Wellington Zoo, and Zealandia, Grey Street, Te Ngakau Civic Square; Bolton Street Cemetery, Otari-Wilton’s Bush, as well as entryways to all Council structures, including swimming poolsĀ and libraries.
In Aotearoa, approximately 8 percent of the inhabitants smoke, while another 8 percent use vaping devices; the objective is to bring this down to less than 5 percent of the population.
Helen Jones, manager of the Wellington City Council Public Health Group, says the change demonstrates Wellington’s involvement in a national movement.
“Wellingtonians are thoughtful people who support vape-free andĀ smoke-free locations, and these adjustments to hospo and dining places upholdĀ the Council’s dedication to Smokefree Aotearoa 2025.”
“Instead of disciplining individuals who use cigarettes or vape, we always encourage vape-free andĀ smoke-free zones.” We will continue to educate people about the health, interpersonal, and environmental aspects of quitting smoking and vaping.
“We recognize that this is a substantial shift for both businesses and their clients so we are offering them any assistance or materials they may require to make preparations for the March 2023 shift.”
“This shift was initially scheduled to take effect in July 2022, however with commercial enterprises still reeling from the effects of COVID-19, Council opted to delay implementation until 1 March 2023.” “This initiative will adequately guide enterprises and Wellingtonians for such a behavior change during the busy summer months,” Helen adds.
These modifications are components of the Trading and Events in Public Places Policy, which the Council approved in November 2021.
Visit Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 for free resources to help you quit smoking and vaping.
Visit wellington.govt.nz/smokefree to learn more about vape andĀ smoke-freeĀ changes in the capital.
