SMOKE and vape-FREE BUSINESSES

In November 2022, the City of Vincent launched Smoke and Vape-Free Town Centres to protect the community from harmful second-hand smoke and second-hand aerosol from vapes. 

We are encouraging local businesses to join us in becoming smoke-free and vape-free.

Benefits of being a smoke and vape-free business

Smoke and vape-free businesses are healthier, cleaner, and safer and have been shown to be more productive workplaces. There are benefits for employers, workers, and visitors in creating a smoke and vape-free business, including:  

• A positive business image - it tells the community you care about their health
• Greater employee morale and improved retention rates
• Fewer absences due to ill health and down-time lost during staff taking smoke and vape-breaks
• Reduced risk of legal action from workers exposed to second-hand smoking and/or vaping
• Healthier staff and healthier workplace
• Provision of a safer, cleaner and healthier work environment
• Decreased cleaning and maintenance costs
• Reduced risk of fire damage and other smoking related accidents, resulting in lower insurance costs
• Provide a supportive environment for smokers to cut down or quit
• Meets ‘duty of care’ responsibilities towards employees, clients, and visitors

Reference: Make Smoking History.

Where to start 

Get staff on board

Your staff are your most important asset, so get them on board early.

• Talk to them about the benefits of going smoke-free and vape-free and why it’s important.
• Get their ideas on how best to communicate with customers about going smoke-free and vape-free.
• Encourage staff who smoke or use e-cigarettes (vapes) to quit. Direct them to the Quitline on 137 848 or the Make Smoking History website.

Plan how you will inform customers

Ideas include:

• Social media posts
• Signage throughout the venue, including clear signage that include the No Vaping symbol
• Old fashioned talking, especially to the regulars.

Make a list of items to be removed

Ideas include:

• Ashtrays and cigarette butt bins
• Cigarette vending machines

Develop a smoke and vape-free policy

The City of Vincent can support you to develop a smoke and vape-free policy. Alternatively, the Cancer Council WA have a helpful smoke-free workplace guide.

How the City can support

The City of Vincent can help by working alongside your business as it transitions to becoming smoke-free and vape-free. This support is free and can help with the following:

• Developing a plan to go smoke-free and vape-free
• Developing a smoke-free and vape-free policy
• Signage
• Social media posts promoting your plan to go smoke-free and vape-free and once you become smoke and vape-free

Reach out to us at the City of Vincent for support using the contact form below.