Smokefree goal may get Council backing
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Christchurch City Council could join the list of Councils across New Zealand who have committed themselves to supporting the Government’s goal of having a smokefree nation by 2025.
On Wednesday the Social and Economic Development Committee will consider a report which recommends the Council show its support by approving a Smokefree 2025 Action Plan.
The proposed Action Plan builds on the Smokefree Public Places Policy the Council adopted in 2009.
The policy, which has been extended in recent years, discourages people from smoking at the main entrances and exits to Council-owned facilities and buildings, at bus shelters, at playgrounds, parks and reserves, and in Council-owned social housing.
Compliance with the policy is voluntary.
New initiatives proposed under the Action Plan include investigating smokefree outdoor dining on Council leased footpaths and supporting an annual smokefree campaign on World Smokefree Day (May 31).
UPDATE: The Social and Community Development Committee has recommended the Council support the national goal of a smokefree New Zealand by 2025. It has also recommended the Council agreed to the proposed Smokefree Action Plan.