Burleigh Pavilion smoker complaints: local councillor Pauline Young rails against ‘nanny state’ smoke free suggestion

It’s the hip ‘super venue’ that has Coast socialites rejoicing, but not all locals are happy after an adjacent park is gaining notoriety as one of the city’s biggest ashtrays as a result of the increased patronage.

BURLEIGH councillor Pauline Young has railed against a “nanny state” suggestion that a popular park with a growing reputation as one of the Gold Coast’s biggest ashtrays should be declared a “smoke-free zone”.

Complaints about cigarette butts being strewn over the ocean-hugging John Laws Park at Burleigh Heads have been made in the past week from a local surfing stalwart, Terry “Tappa” Teece, and an Instagram fitness blogger with 170,000 followers, Eliza Landgren.

Burleigh cigarettes. Eliza Landgren’s find. Pic: @elle — fit.

The grassed hill at Burleigh is a favourite Gold Coast spot for watching the sunset and having a few drinks, but Mr Teece and Ms Landgren have also highlighted the mass of butts close to Burleigh Pavilion, a bar which sits next to the pathway that runs from the beach to the headland.

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They say smokers are dumping their butts on the southern side of the building, just metres from a mural painted in tribute to surf champion Michael Peterson.

In response to the Ms Landgren’s complaints on Instagram, the trendy new bar and restaurant suggested lobbying to make the area a smoke-free zone.

Asked for comment about the latest complaints, Cr Young said council cleaning crews did a good job managing the area.

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Burleigh cigarettes. Pic: Terry Tappa Teece/Instagram.

She moved to shut down suggestions the area should be made smoke-free.

“It comes back to how much do we become a nanny state and how much we put on the individual to be responsible,” Cr Young said.

“We have ‘no drinking’ signs there on the hill but people do consume alcohol there, but (if the rules were enforced) those who consume it responsibly and deposit their bottles in the bin would be penalised.”

She urged smokers to bin their butts.

Numerous complaints have been made about cigarettes being thrown off the Burleigh Pavilion and the hill.

Cr Young said Burleigh Pavilion was working with council. “They are very conscious of working with council to work out the best outcomes to suit the community.”

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Fitness blogger Ms Landgren highlighted the issue after collecting more than 500 butts after a swim at Burleigh at the weekend.

Burleigh Pavilion did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the Bulletin.

But the bar did respond to Ms Landgren on Instagram, saying “next week our signs will be ready, directing smokers to bins”.

The Burleigh Pavilion has amazing views of the beautiful Burleigh Headland, however cigarette butts are giving the famous park an ugly side.

“We are also trying to get the hill turned into a smoke-free zone to ensure none of the young ones are breathing in any second-hand smoke.”

Burleigh boardrider Mr Teece took aim at the bar with a photo of the litter he said was caused by patrons.

“Is this how you control your patrons who smoke? None of this before you opened!” he posted.

Nearby Rick Shores restaurant said council should prioritise fining litter bugs.