Smokers banned at Modbury’s Civic Park Christmas carols

ONE Adelaide council has had enough of a nasty habit some people have at carols events - and it’s threatening fines of up to $750 if you can’t restrain yourself.

The IGA Carols by Candlelight 2014, presented by The APEX Club of Perth. Supreme Court Gardens.

PEOPLE caught smoking at Modbury’s Civic Park during a community carols event next month face being fined up to $750, and those who do not butt out may be banned from the park altogether.

For the first time in the free event’s history, Tea Tree Gully Council is cracking down on smoking at the 2015 Civic Park Carols, Sunday, December 13.

It comes after the council received complaints after last year’s event.

It has enforced the ban via its smoking by-law, meaning anyone caught lighting up faces a fine of between $185 and $750.

Those who do not stop smoking when asked to face being temporarily banned from the park.

Mayor Kevin Knight said the carols was a family function and the smoking ban was a “plus for the event”.

“The last thing you want is a person next door lighting up,” he said.

“There’s nothing worse than the smell of smoke when you’re a nonsmoker.”

A council report stated the ban would create a safe and healthy environment for the event.

“We receive approximately a dozen complaints each year through social media, emails, letters and verbal responses regarding the lack of a smoking ban,” it read.

“Second-hand smoke is not only unhealthy but it can also have an adverse effect on someone’s experience and perception of our event.”

The 2015 Civic Park Carols will start with family activities at 3pm, before pre-show entertainment at 6pm ahead of the carols at 7.30pm.

Australian singer and actress Rachael Beck will perform at the show, which will also include fireworks.