Published on Monday, 29 August 2022 at 9:09:41 AM
The City of Vincent’s efforts to cut smoking and reduce its harms in the community could be strengthened by a new policy that restricts where tobacco-related businesses can set up shop.
Under the proposed policy, tobacco shops, smoke shops, shisha bars and cigar lounges wouldn’t be able trade next to homes, educational institutions, parks or places of worship.
They would also be prevented from trading beside accommodation, offices and businesses such as child care centres, medical centres, consulting rooms, reception centres and cafes.
Tobacco shops and vape and smoke shops wouldn’t be able to trade on the ground floor, their products couldn’t be directly displayed or visible from the street and opening times would be limited.
Shisha bars and cigar lounges would also have limited opening times and would be required to provide detailed management plans that take into account odour and air quality.
One of the top priorities of the City’s Public Health Plan 2020-2025 is to reduce smoking and embed this aim into new policies.
The draft Restricted Premises – Smoking Local Planning Policy will now be released for community consultation.
“This draft smoking policy reflects our meaningful commitment to improving the health of residents and visitors to Vincent,” said Mayor Emma Cole.
“It is our hope that we can encourage people to stop smoking, reduce relapse for those who are trying to quit and prevent young people from picking up the habit, including vaping.”
The policy wouldn’t apply to tobacconists in commercial and centre zones because these businesses are defined as shops and don’t need development approval to trade in these areas.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Australia, and there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.
The proposed new smoking policy follows the approval of five smoke-free areas in Vincent.
By the end of this year, smoking will be banned in parts of North Perth, Mount Hawthorn, Leederville, William Street and Beaufort Street.
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