Published on Tuesday, 15 August 2023 at 11:41:00 AM
The City of Vincent is offering a helping hand for local pubs and restaurants wanting to go smoke-free.
Vincent launched its Fresh Air – You’re Welcome: the Smoke-Free Town Centres project in November 2022 as an initiative of its Public Health Plan.
As part of the project, parts of Mt Hawthorn, North Perth, Leederville, William Street and Beaufort Street are now smoke-free.
Mayor Emma Cole encouraged other businesses to follow in the footsteps of The Paddington Ale House and the Queens Tavern in becoming smoke-free.
“We have been working with local venues to manage the transition of footpath areas becoming part of our smoke-free areas,” said Ms Cole.
“We want to see more venues to jump on board.
“Our Public Health team is happy to support business owners who are interested or are already making this transition by providing information and guidance on signage.”
The Paddo ceased smoking on its Scarborough Beach Road terrace in May 2022 shortly after ARK Group took over the ownership.
ARK Group general manager Adam Kapinkoff said the pub supported Vincent’s project and created a raised deck on the eastern side that was completely separate from the venue.
“(We) politely advise guests they aren’t permitted to smoke on the terrace and to move around to the eastern side of the premises,” he said.
“This hasn’t been met with any resistance and has been understood by all.
“There has been lots of positive feedback from guests as they have enjoyed the terrace being more welcoming, family friendly and activated now that smoking is not permitted there.
“It’s a great spot to sit back, be a part of the town centre and watch the world go by.”
Mr Kapinkoff said many customers expressed they wanted to book functions and utilise The Paddo’s services because it had a smoke-free area.
“The occurrence of smoking is obviously on the decline, as it has been for decades now,” he said.
“Pubs have evolved to become community minded, food focused and family friendly operations.
“This is in line with the modern consumer expectations and smoking doesn’t really align with this.”
Ms Cole welcomed The Paddo’s initiative to create a smoke-free space for its patrons.
“The Paddo has been an iconic institution in Mt Hawthorn since it opened in 1932,” she said.
“It’s always been a meeting spot for locals and people across Perth but ARK Group has really brought back the community spirit and embraced the smoke-free initiative, taking the Paddo from strength to strength.
“The pub’s smoke-free status aligns with our goal to reduce community exposure to second hand cigarette smoke and e-cigarette aerosol in our entertainment precincts which are full of alfresco dining, parklets and eatlets.”
For information, visit Vincent’s Smoke-Free Town Centres webpage.
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