Smoking may soon be a thing of the past in Casey’s playgrounds, reserves and parks.
By Callan Date
CASEY smokers may soon be breaking the law if they light up a cigarette while watching local sport.
Council playgrounds, reserves and parks are also on the no-smoking hit list after councillors decided to investigate the banning of cigarettes at certain outdoor venues.
Glass products may also be on the way out with concerns raised over the constant danger of broken glass being left on council land.
Tighter alcohol controls for minors will also be investigated by Casey Council after the issue was raised at the same meeting.
Councillor Steve Beardon said he moved the cigarette motion at last week’s council meeting in the hope it would allow families to enjoy council outdoor areas more.
The motion was carried, with a report to be written by council officers.
Cr Beardon said he would like to see Casey continue to push smoking reform even further.
He said other measures that needed to be looked at included removing tobacco products from view in retail outlets; banning staff under the age of 18 from selling tobacco; implementing a licensing scheme for tobacco sellers; and making cars carrying children smoke-free.
VicHealth chief executive Todd Harper applauded Casey’s initiative.
Mr Harper said any potential local law banning smoking made good sense.
“I think it is a really positive move and it will have a high degree of support form the public,” he said.
“It is a commonsense approach to offer more smoke-free environments for the public.”
Mr Harper said another benefit would be the reduction in cigarette butt litter.
“Something like this makes it easier for people to quit. It involves a high level of community support.
“The total smoking figure is going steadily down,” he said.
A spokesman for Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the Government was leading the way when it came to tobacco reform.
“This Government has introduced strict laws on cigarette sales to minors; restricted tobacco advertising; banned smoking in pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafes, shopping centres, gaming venues, enclosed workplaces, covered areas of train station platforms and tram and bus shelters; and funded mass anti-tobacco campaigns,” he said.
“But there’s always more to do, which is why the Government’s new Victorian Tobacco Control Strategy, to be launched this year, will set a 20 per cent reduction target in adults from 17.4 per cent to 14 per cent by 2013.”
Casey Council is also hoping to take the lead when it comes to the supply of alcohol to minors.
Councillor Lorraine Wreford said there had been a massive increase in alcohol-related problems in the local area.
The council will ask the State Government to make it illegal for anyone, except a parent or guardian, to sell or supply liquor to a minor.
