City of Sydney votes to create smoke free zones on George St
The City of Sydney says the plan to create smoke-free zones along George St’s new pedestrian boulevard will create a ‘healthier’ environment for Sydney’s workers, residents and visitors.
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George St’s new pedestrian boulevard could become a smoke-free zone under a proposal by the City of Sydney.
Councillors have approved a plan to ban smoking in the entire stretch between Bathurst and Hunter streets tonight, as well as in 10 “adjacent zones” along the strip.
It is part of a vision to reinvigorate George St following the completion of the $2.7 billion light rail project in order to capture the economic and social benefits of increased foot traffic.
The council is contributing $220 million for public domain improvements associated with the light rail, which has transformed George St from its previous life as a car-centric thoroughfare.
Smoking has already been prohibited in Martin Place and Pitt St Mall, and discussions are taking place with business owners to establish a smoke-free zone at Sydney Square.
A spokeswoman for the City of Sydney said the “overwhelming majority” of people canvassed in its Smoking in Public Spaces survey supported expanding smoke-free areas.
“The city has received numerous complaints about smoking on George St and surrounding public spaces and many requests to introduce smoke free areas where people congregate to smoke,” the spokeswoman said.
“Given this feedback, the city has recommended to council that the newly pedestrianised area of George St between Bathurst and Hunter streets become a smoke-free zone.
“If council supports the recommendation, signs will be put in place to alert pedestrians to new smoke-free zones.
“The change will create a healthier environment for city residents, businesses, workers and visitors.”
The 10 adjacent zones set to be included are Sydney Town Hall and its surrounds, the Queen Victoria Building Plaza, Temperance Lane, Sesquicentenary Square, Regimental Square, Angel Place, Ash Street, Palings Lane, De Mestre Place and Wynyard Lane.
Under NSW law smoking is banned at public transport stops, in outdoor dining areas and within four metres of building entrances.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore wrote to Health Minister Brad Hazzard in 2017 calling for pedestrian plazas and laneways to be included in banned sites under the Smoke Free Environment Act.
The State Government is responsible for the enforcement and compliance of smoking bans, as councils do not have the power to act on the legislation.
Smoking bans have been rolled out in the Strathfield and North Sydney CBDs.
