City of Vincent to debate smoking ban for inner-city Perth suburbs including Leederville and Northbridge

Smoking could be completely outlawed in the heart of inner-city Perth suburbs. Places including Leederville, North Perth and Mt Lawley-Highgate are currently being looked at under plans put forward to the City of Vincent to make some areas totally smoke free. Northbridge, north of Newcastle St, and Mt Hawthorn are also in the council’s sights after debate began on banning vaping and cigarette smoking in town centres. This would currently extend to pubs. Health Minister Roger Cook has backed the ambitious plan and encouraged other local governments to pursue similar initiatives. City officers will consider whether dedicated smoking areas could be set-up and are examining if penalties would be imposed for any breaches. Vincent mayor Emma Cole flagged at Tuesday night’s council briefing she may move a motion simply calling for smoke-free areas instead. She told The West Australian she was keen to hear community views on the plans, which would be slated to take effect in 2025. “I think it will be something the business community will be very interested in, particularly for pubs and food and beverage,” Ms Cole, pictured, said. “I would be very keen to hear their views on how that (smoke-free areas) would work or not work in practice.” Mr Cook said smoking was a drain on medical resources. “I would be pleased to see the City of Vincent consider this target and encourage all local governments to explore initiatives like this, which put the health of the community first,” he said. “Smoking represents a significant burden on families, our society and our health system, and as a Government we will continue to find ways to reduce the terrible harm that it causes.” But AHA WA chief executive Bradley Woods warned if smoking was banned completely some rate-paying businesses risked losing out. “The WA Government has comprehensive smoking regulations and smoking levels have been in decline for many years,” he said. “Smokers will make decisions on which suburbs and businesses they patronise according to whether their personal needs are met.” The City of Perth introduced $100 fines for smoking at Forrest Place and the Hay St and Murray St malls six years ago. Bunbury, Cottesloe, Albany and Augusta-Margaret River have varying levels of smoking bans for areas such as beaches and outdoor areas.