Three years on from the failure to implement the 12 month trial to ban smoking in the main streets of Wagga, it seems many support the ban, but how it would be implemented remains the tricky question.
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In 2015, plans to introduce a smoke free environment on Baylis and Fitzmaurice streets and Forsyth Street between Berry and Peter streets failed.
Tammy Riley, a worker at Jardine’s Cafe on Baylis Street, said while she hasn’t touched a cigarette for eight years, she hasn’t turned against smokers.
“Smoking isn’t illegal, so I think a ban like this could almost demonise smokers,” she said.
When asked whether customers have complained due to their dining experience being interrupted by a smoker passing by, Ms Riley said there have been some instances.
Further down on Baylis Street towards Fitzmaurice, owner of the Scribbles Cafe, Denise Flack would like to see a smoking ban on the main streets.
“Ultimately, I would like to see smoking banned on the main street, but how on earth could you police it, especially at night time?,” she said.
“I think most people would like to see a smoke free street and the banning of smoking in commercial and alfresco dining areas have been the best thing.”
Ms Flack said since since the ban in dining areas there have been “zero” customer complaints.
The Department of Health and Ageing estimated that 141 Australians died from secondhand smoke in 2004-05, with 28 of those deaths having been babies.
Respiratory nurse Robyn Paton said smoking on busy streets is a “huge” issue as passive smoking not only affects people with asthma, but also many others.
“Smoking not only triggers people with asthma, but also those with other kinds of respiratory conditions,” she said.
“It’s been banned in a lot of workplaces, especially government workplaces, and the smoking laws have changed over the years as everyone used to be able to smoke in restaurants.
“It’s a slow process and we are making it better, particularly for children who can often be exposed to passive smoking.
“We need to see change as children look for role models and the less people they see smoking, the less likely they’ll take the habit up.”
Wagga resident and smoker, Michael Gordon thought of one idea to level the debate.
He said that only one side of the streets should be banned from smoking, creating a “fair outcome” for both smokers and non-smokers.
A report of the consultation process was considered at the November 2015 policy and strategy meeting, however the Wagga council resolved not to proceed with a 12 month trial of smoke free areas in parts of Wagga CBD.
Cancer Council NSW’s tobacco control unit manager, Dr Laura Twyman argued for a smoking ban to be implemented on Baylis and Fitzmaurice streets.
“We know that tobacco smoking is the leading cause of disease and premature death in NSW, so any measure designed to help tackle this is strongly supported by us,” Dr Twyman said.
“A policy like this protects people from exposure to second-hand smoke, reduces uptake of smoking by young people and will support smokers to quit.”
