Lismore CBD now smoke-free

FROM today, Lismore smokers will be allowed to light up only at designated smoking posts near the entrances to the CBD’s four major car parks.

NO SMOKING: Restaurant owner Lisa Yacopetti will make the cafe non-smoking in accordance with new rules by Lismore City Council. Picture: Marc Stapelberg

 

FROM yesterday, Lismore smokers are allowed to light up only at designated smoking posts near the entrances to the CBD's four major car parks.

Smoking while walking will no longer be allowed, nor will smoking outside any CBD pubs and clubs.

The CBD now becomes a smoke-free area with the activation of Lismore City Council's Smoke-free Areas Policy.

Only two cafes retain smoking privileges at their outdoor dining areas under current lease agreements, but one of them has announced that it will go smoke-free from this week.

Lisa Yacopetti, owner of Dragonfly Cafe in Carrington St, confirmed that the business would join in the ban from this week in the outdoor area.

"It's time. Personally we cannot stand smoking in food areas," she said.

Mrs Yacopetti said that the decision had been "pretty much in line with the end of the lease".

No smoking signs will be placed this week on most outdoor tables.

She said her staff were pleased about the smoking ban in their workplace.

Asked about a possible reaction from smoking customers, Lisa Yacopetti said: "Most people are prepared, they know it is coming".

"Most people understand this is the direction things are going. We hope they continue coming because of our good coffee and food," she said.

In fact, she believes they may even gain more customers once the outdoor dining area becomes smoke-free.

Mecca Cafe in Magellan St will be the only business in Lismore CBD to authorise smoking in its outdoor premises from this week.

Colin Jacobs, of Goonellabah, was enjoying a coffee and a cigarette at Mecca Cafe on Saturday.

"I know I should quit, but I will continue smoking for as long as I can in this place; it is nobody's fault," he said.