CBD move to ban smoking

A plan to outlaw smokers from two of the central city’s public squares is being considered.

Khartoum Place and St Patrick’s Square have been suggested as possible outdoor smoke-free zones.

The idea was put forward by the Auckland CBD Residents Advisory Group and will be looked at by the Auckland City Council.

Group chairman Tim Coffey says the squares were chosen because they’re both undergoing significant upgrades.

He says a smoking ban would make them more child-friendly and would encourage families into the central city.

"They were chosen very carefully. They’re both fairly small, enclosed spaces.

"Most of the CBD’s public spaces and squares are used as smoking rooms. There’s no place that excludes smoking."

Mr Coffey says a ban would fit in with developing a meditation space in St Patrick’s Square.

And Khartoum Place could be developed as a family drop-off point for people visiting the art gallery.

Action on Smoking and Health director Ben Youdan fully supports the move.

"Making public spaces smoke-free is an important way of adding to the perception that smoking is not normal. We’d also hope it would act as a trigger for people to quit smoking."

Other councils around the country have smoking bans in playgrounds and recreational areas.

The city development committee will consider the request tomorrow.

Chairman Aaron Bhatnagar says he’s likely to call for more information to determine whether the ban would be legal.

- © Fairfax NZ News