Smokers told to butt out of CBD | Northern Rivers News | Local News in Northern Rivers | Northern Star

Kelli Gardiner, of Grafton, believes Richmond Valley Council has gone too far with a new smoking ban in Casino’s CBD.

IT WILL take more than a no smoking sign to stop Kelli Gardiner, 30, from lighting up in the streets of Casino.

Last week, the Richmond Valley Council's smoke-free outdoor areas policy came into effect after no smoking signs were put up throughout the CBD.

The policy bans smoking within 10 metres of children's playground equipment, alfresco dining areas, at all bus stops and taxi ranks, and within 70 metres of licensed premises.

The smoking ban, which also includes beaches, sporting facilities, public barbecue areas and property owned or managed by the council, effectively covers the entire CBD.

Ms Gardiner, a regular visitor to Casino from Grafton, said the ban took things too far.

“As long as people are responsible about where they smoke it should be okay,” Ms Gardiner said.

Smokers in the CBD with whom The Northern Star spoke yesterday were unaware of the ban.

“I think the signs need to be bigger,” one smoker, who did not want to be named, said.

Another retailer said the signs would not stop him from smoking.

“I understand why people don't like it, but really, smoking outside is okay,” the man said.

Non-smoking shoppers didn't seem to care either way.

“I'm like Sweden (sic), I'm neutral,” one woman said.

Another said she didn't mind where people smoked as long as it was outdoors.

Council's environmental development services director, Ken Exley, said when the policy was first proposed feedback had been positive.

There will be a 12-month phase-in period at the end of which their will be a review.

Currently, there is no fine for anyone who breaks the ban and it is the council's hope that fines will not need to be introduced in order to make people comply.

The ban is part of the council's obligation to promote public health outcomes where it provides assets and services intended to benefit the community, the policy says.

Cigarette butt litter is another issue the council hopes the policy will address.

Ms Gardiner, a 10-cigarette-a-day smoker, said her New Year's resolution would be to quit smoking.

A copy of the policy can be downloaded from the council's website: www.richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au