Smoke Free Outdoor Area
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Council has been progressively introducing Smoke Free Outdoor areas within the Frankston City Centre.
- Read the Public Notice - No Smoking Areas
Smoke Free Map for Frankston City
Smoke Free Charter
Frankston City Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire have signed a Smoke Free Charter, and with the support of Peninsula Health, Royal District Nursing Service and other health authorities, are committed to reducing the prevalence of smoking and protecting people from the damaging effects of second-hand smoke.
Some of the ways to achieve this will be to limit smoking in community settings, health promotion plans and actions and supporting the community and staff to access Quit support services.
For more information download a copy of the Smoke Free Charter.
Background
After extensive public consultation with key stakeholders, businesses, community and health experts, the 'Smoke Free Outdoor Area' trial commenced on Monday 8 November in a designated high pedestrian traffic area of Frankston's city centre.
Download the Smoke Free Area - Fact Sheet
The outdoor 'No Smoking Zone' is in Shannon Street Mall, Station Street Mall, the western side of Young Street (between Wells and Station Streets), Stiebel Place and Gallery Lane.
The trial is designed to reduce smoking related harm in Frankston in line with the Health and Wellbeing Plan 2009-2013.
The Heart Foundation and Quit Victoria applaud Frankston City Council's decision to trial a smoke free outdoor area.
Heart Foundation (Victoria) Director Cardiovascular Health Programs, Kellie-Ann Jolly, said the Frankston City trial is another way to help drive down smoking rates.
"Smoke free outdoor areas will not only protect people from second-hand smoke, but also de-normalise smoking for young people so they are less likely to start in the first place. As tobacco is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, this is potentially a life-saving policy," said Jolly.
Quit Executive Director, Fiona Sharkie, said Frankston Council was responding to their constituents as public support for outdoor smoking bans grows.
"Cancer Council Victoria research shows 77% of Victorians believe smoking should be banned at outdoor areas where children are present, while 71% want to see smoking banned at outdoor dining areas.
"The vast majority of people do not smoke and consequently expect and appreciate smoke free environments both for themselves and their families. We know that as more venues and public places go smoke free, more people use them," said Sharkie.
Peninsula Health, one of Frankston City's largest employers, recently became a 'smoke free' workplace.
Rob Macindoe, General Manager, Peninsula Health Community Health, said his Organisation went 'smoke free' on 1 September 2010, in the best interests of patients, staff and visitors.
"Peninsula Health welcomes Frankston City Council's initiative and looks forward to working together to achieve a healthier community," said Macindoe.
Council has erected signs and installed cigarette butt bins at the entrances of the designated 'Smoke Free Outdoor Area'. Enforcement of the ban on smoking in the trial area will be undertaken by Council's Local Law Officers.
Support to manage or quit smoking is available at anytime through the Quitline on 13 7848 (13 QUIT) or at www.quit.org.au.