Liverpool Council survey reveals people avoid mall due to smoking

A SURVEY has revealed a majority of people avoid Macquarie Mall in Western Sydney because the central shopping strip is full of smokers.

A survey found a majority of people avoid Macquarie Mall because there is too much smoking. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

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A SURVEY has revealed a majority of people avoid Macquarie Mall because the central shopping strip is full of smokers.

The top three reasons people chose not to visit Macquarie Mall, according to the results of a community survey conducted by Liverpool Council in April and May, included the high levels of smoking, a lack of retail options and safety concerns.

It comes after a proposal earlier this year to regulate smoking at Macquarie Mall with the council now investigating ways to combat the issue.

A majority of businesses have supported keeping conditions the same. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

More than half of the 463 respondents said they would visit the mall more regularly if smoking was banned.

Other factors such as better dining and retail options would also encourage them to make use of the revitalised area, which now includes a children’s water play area, outdoor dining and seating and a giant digital screen.

In a separate private survey completed by 14 business in Macquarie Mall, less than half of respondents said making Macquarie Mall a smoke-free zone would have a positive impact on their business.

A majority of businesses (nine) said conditions should remain the same while five supported a smoking ban.

A motion to trial a ban on smoking for 12 months did not receive enough support at last week’s Liverpool Council meeting. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

A council report cited a 2009 study by the World Health Organisation which indicates smoke-free policies do not adversely affect businesses.

“A review of global research on the economic impacts of smoke-free zones on hospitality businesses found that, overwhelmingly, there were no negative economic impacts to restaurants and bars of the implementation of smoke-free zones,” the report stated.

“In fact, in some cases, positive economic impacts and increased value of trade and related business value were recorded.”

A motion to trial a ban on smoking in Macquarie Mall for 12 months failed to gain enough support at last week’s council meeting and a decision has been deferred until further consultation is carried out.

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