A cleaner, healthier and fresher Hobart city centre welcomed back workers and visitors, with an expanded smoke-free area now in full swing.
A new smoke-free area spanning three blocks – bounded by Collins, Campbell, Liverpool and Murray streets and including Argyle Street and the Purdeys Mart/Kemp Street area behind Wellington Court () – was initially introduced in mid-April.
“At the time, there was very little activity in our city centre, due to COVID-19 restrictions,” Acting Lord Mayor Helen Burnet said.
“As we’ve gradually welcomed people back to the city the past couple of months, we’ve been working to make the CBD more inviting than ever by creating a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.
“This week will mark three months since the CBD initially went smoke-free and it’s been wonderful to see the difference it’s made.”
As the city has continued to become busier, the City of Hobart’s tobacco officer has been on the beat speaking with more than 500 smokers to inform them of the new smoke-free status and provide maps of the areas.
“People have been really receptive of the information and have generally been quick to butt out when informed about the new smoke-free areas,” Cr Burnet said.
“As well as reducing litter and the effects of passive smoking, providing smoke-free areas actively helps people who have recently quit or are trying to quit smoking and that is important in supporting a healthier community.
“And now that our city is back open for business, having a cleaner, fresher city centre provides yet another reason to come in and rediscover what Hobart has to offer and support our local traders as they recover from the impacts of the pandemic.”
Around the city, designated smoke-free areas are indicated by bright blue signage and standard No Smoking signs. Smoking of herbal or e-cigarettes (vaping), as well as tobacco, are prohibited in these smoke-free areas.
