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Do you agree that Greater Taree should ban smoking in outdoor areas?
Whether you agree or disagree, feel free to outline your reasons.
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Comment 1 17 Dec 2009, 1:03 PM
It is a good idea - how would it be "policed". Who is going to be walking around stopping people from smoking? Seems a tough ask. I wouldn't like that job.
Comment 1.1 19 Dec 2009, 9:28 PM
It's not so much that it would be "policed" but that I would have the right to be able to ask people to not smoke in outdoor areas, and more signage to that effect would help get the message across that it's just not acceptable anymore.
Comment 1.1.1 5 Jan 2010, 2:27 PM
Thats a great idea.I'm sick and tired of putting up with other peoples exhaled smoke when out and about.
Comment 1.2 6 Jan 2010, 12:35 PM
Initially it is most likley that policing will be by advice as opposed to fines, and as community awareness increases, smokers will be more likley to refrain from smoking in the public places in line with community expectations.
Comment 1.3 17 Feb 2010, 10:56 AM
im not a smoker - but i dont see who has the right to tell a smoker not to smoke. If they want to smoke, let them be. We live in a democracy afterall, not a dictatorship.
Comment 2 21 Dec 2009, 11:33 AM
It's a daft idea. We have enough rules that aren't enforced now.
How about enforcing the littering laws that smokers abuse so much. That might encourage them not to smoke in public.
Comment 2.1 5 Jan 2010, 2:15 PM
I feel it's not a daft idea as a responsible society we need rules. I do agree with you about enforcing the littering laws as it is shocking to walk around town and see the amount of cigarette butts laying around! These butts eventually end up in our water ways and create a pollution problem. I would like to see a deposit payed by the smoker on every butt and then refunded when returned.
Comment 2.1.1 5 Jan 2010, 4:58 PM
I agree with your comment regarding "littering"willbob.The amount of litter created by fast food outlets is disgusting!Perhaps council will consider banning all fast food outlets!At least "restrict"the areas in which it is consumed!! The amount of hospital beds taken up by Obesity related diseases would also be reduced. How much will council be spending on "NO SMOKING"signs?How would this compere to providing ashtrays?
Comment 2.1.1.1 27 Jan 2010, 8:09 AM
I think the comparison between smoking and fast food is not helpful. We all need to eat and fast food outlets serve a need. It is unfortunate that some people litter with food containers. We do not need to smoke - nobody does. Smokers litter is as unnecessary as the negative impact on health and our ability to enjoy out door areas without that smell.
Comment 3 24 Dec 2009, 9:48 AM
I strongly object to a blanket ban on all council outdoor areas.Will council have "Designated smoking" areas?I may be a smoker,BUTT,I DO NOT LITTER!!I carry a portable ash tray at all times.Disposing of waste thoughtfully would be encouraged if council supplied facilities for such.
At present I smoke in outdoor car park areas whilst out.I need to seek fresh air(no joke!)as I have a severe allergy to certain purfumes.Will council ban the wearing of perfume?
Comment 3.1 5 Jan 2010, 2:06 PM
Good to hear that you don't litter, maybe it would help a little more if you were to give up smoking. I feel it would help your allergy and also help the community with hospital bed availability as one bed in every four is taken up by a 'smoking related disease'.
Comment 3.1.1 5 Jan 2010, 4:30 PM
I can assure you "willbob"I have never taken up a hospital bed with a"smoking related disease"I have however been admitted on numorous occasions with allergy."I feel it would help your allergy",are you qualified to make such a statement?It contradicts my health professionals advice!"if you were to give up smoking"The thing is,I don't WANT to give up smoking!It may be socially unacceptable,but it is legal.The point I was trying to make,is that there will always be something that offends someone else.I have an allergy to certain perfumes,will THAT be banned next?This is setting a terrible presidant against civil rights.
Comment 3.1.1.1 9 Jan 2010, 4:27 PM
Well its very good you have never taken up a hospital bed, but theres a very good chance that you will as you get older,take a look around you at older people who have smoking related problems.Smoking may be legal and thats ok because you poor people who take it up are saving us drug free people a lot of tax and lets face it smoking is a drug addiction. So are you saying that your health professional has advised you to take up smoking,well i think i would be changing my doctor he is living in the 19th century. It takes a lot of will power to give up and im sure if you did your body would thank you.
Comment 3.1.1.1.1 9 Jan 2010, 5:25 PM
You have mistaken what I said.Please read more carefully.I NEVER stated my health professional advised me to take up smoking!!!!!I was replying to YOUR statement that it would help my allergy to quit.I was informing you that that a PROFESSIONAL assures me the two are unrelated.
Comment 3.1.1.1.1.1 27 Jan 2010, 8:10 AM
Removed by moderator - the comment was spam
Comment 3.1.1.2 20 Feb 2010, 7:35 AM
Sorry Delts Rose, its only a matter of time...
Comment 3.2 4 Feb 2010, 11:13 AM
Removed by moderator - the comment failed to respect other users
Comment 4 4 Jan 2010, 8:32 PM
I am not a smoker, but I will defend the rights of a smoker to smoke a legal product. They are already not allowed to smoke in shopping centres,food outlets, clubs, hotels,motels, cinimas and theatres, in council outlets, hospitals, kindergardens,schools, government buildings, in their own cars when childeren are present, airports,tains and buses, taxies,ferries, courts and legal chambers,even in their own home if it is rented, as most leases these days have that clause in them, and the list can go on. Where are smokers suppose to smoke this legal product? Tobacco is legal to buy and smoke, please leave more…
Comment 4.1 5 Jan 2010, 5:13 PM
"I may not agree with them,but I will defend to the death their right.....?"What will it do to the business sector?Am I right to presume that after purchasing a ticket to the entertainment center,I will no longer have the privilage of spending intermission in the wind and rain while watching those inside at the bar indulge?I suppose it depends on your chosen vice!!But,think carefully,will your vice be next to be found unacceptable?Well said kayjim,as a case against double standards!
Comment 4.1.1 6 Jan 2010, 2:42 PM
Thank you for seeing the double standards that governments show. I wonder what the council workers themselves think of this regulation? And road side council workers, you always see them pulled up having a smoko and a cuppa? Smoking is not as acceptable as it once was, but I think that they are penalised enough. Have you ever heard of a case of where cigerette but has caused domestic violence or battery or robbery. I dont think I have!! But I do know of alcohol an drugs causing all three of these. ICE being the worst, but I havent seen the council really come down on this type of behavour. It's easier to blame cigerettes for everything. I
Comment 5 6 Jan 2010, 9:57 AM
My non-smoking does not affect anyone but a smoker's smoke and smell affects everybody. Smokers pollute my fresh air. By all means let them smoke. Set aside smoking rooms with air filtration plants so that the outside air remains clean.
I'm all for NO SMOKING in outside places.
Comment 5.1 6 Jan 2010, 4:01 PM
I can understand why non smokers find cigarette smoke offensive.
It smells...(so does cheap perfume and body odour)
It pollutes the air...(so does carciogon fueled vehicles)
Smokers litter...(a rather generalised view!),could compere to ALL consumers of fast food litter.[Council does not supply proper means for disposal of butts]
I think this forum would be better served if a little consideration and respect were shown.
Smokers are vilified too much already.
If you see someone smoking and it offends you,please don't approach their space and tell them
They smell
They should quit
They are dirty
I have had this happen often,even though I have removed myself to areas far more…
Comment 6 6 Jan 2010, 4:32 PM
Might it be an option for council, to supply covered seating areas with cig.disposal units,in strategic areas?
Smokers would be MORE inclined to refrain from smoking in sensitive areas if give an OPTION!
Comment 6.1 26 Jan 2010, 9:17 AM
Smokers don't have any option but to smoke - you don't choose to smoke, it is purely and simply an addiction. The sooner you face that fact the sooner you will have some chance of ridding yourself of your warped beliefs.
Comment 6.1.1 1 Feb 2010, 10:19 AM
My views may be "warped"....but they are my views,you don't have to agree with them,but I should have the the right to express them without insult.
Comment 7 7 Jan 2010, 8:25 AM
I didn't mention that I am not a smoker, but I agree with others that smokers have the right to use legal products in our society. The main reasons that a ban in public areas is daft, are that it is a knee-jerk reaction to a request by an agenda-driven body (the Cancer Council) and not a response to any identified need, it attempts to impose the beliefs of one part of our society on all of the rest without consideration for all of the rest, no effort has been made to determine whether this is a real issue in more…
Comment 7.1 7 Jan 2010, 3:31 PM
While I agree with most of your thoughts,OldB,the issue of"the lack of common courtesy"is not restricted to smokers.
My thoughts on covered smoking areas,was not that council "should",but rather looking for peoples ideas on "options"
The idea of smoking at home is not always practicle.(I live with a non smoker).Should we tell tourist to "go home"?
Further,I don't use many of council funded facilities(football grounds-tiolets(I use mine at home),but I don't resent paying rates for the use of others.
Courtesy and respect is a two way street!
Comment 8 7 Jan 2010, 8:52 AM
Before we rush into following someone else's agenda, why doesn't Council find out the facts in our community? I'm not impressed by a survey of 2,400 people (O.OO6% of the State population!)that allegedly shows 'public opinion'.
Why hasn't Council published the smoking-related cancer rates for our population and compared them with the State rates, to see whether there is even a problem?
Perhaps Council could commission an independent local survey (using a statistically valid survey sample) on smoking rates, relevant cancer rates, attitudes toward the proposal to ban, etc.
I'm sure that none of the Councillors has any fear of getting the facts before they make a decision, or have they?
Comment 9 7 Jan 2010, 4:28 PM
In the interest of council not being seen to have double standards,then in the case of smoking being banned in outside areas,they would have to ban ALL smoking.
If I smoke in an open space,those"offended"have the choice to avoid.In which case I hurt no one but myself.
In contradiction,those who pollute the air by burning fossil fuels(pot bellys etc)affect everyone around them.
I know asthmatics who spend time in hospital every winter because of the fumes affecting them(while in their own homes)
Will council ban the use of fossil fueled heating?
Will council ban the use of diesel driven vehicles?
Will council be seen as a vehicle for hypocrosy?
Comment 10 7 Jan 2010, 4:28 PM
Removed by moderator - this was a duplicate comment
Comment 11 8 Jan 2010, 1:16 PM
I don't want to upset those who still smoke but I support the idea of a ban. When I was growing up most of us smoked because if we didnt we were not part of the group. As smoking has been removed from pubs and eateries we have gradually reached a point where people who smoke are excluded rather than included. This has to be a good thing. The next logical step is to widen the ban to areas where smokers congregate until eventually smoking is something people only do in the privacy of their own homes. By doing this more…
Comment 11.1 8 Jan 2010, 6:07 PM
No personal offence taken,josephine.I respect your right to voice your opinion,as I hope you respect mine.
I would like to point out,that as adults it our choice.Supplying children IS illegal.In contradiction,should I wish,I can supply children with any amount of junk food.
My concern is that we are creating a police state!
Giving "POWERS"to members of the community is the very horror that concerns me the most.
"FORCING"people out of society because they don't agree with YOU?
I dread to think the lesson THAT teachers our children!!!
Comment 12 8 Jan 2010, 7:02 PM
I believe that there is one thing forgotten by many people is; that we are supposed to live in a free country, freedom of speech,choice,religeon. We are supposed not to discriminate against people, on colour, race or creed but we can if you smoke a legally taxed cigerette. The tax that the Federal Government collects is more than the cigerette companies earn, after they buy the tobacco, process it, buy the paper, filters, packaging and pay wages and taxes. So who do you think will hurt if everyone that smokes stopped. The Government then you the public, because they would have to make up the shortfall of taxes somewhere. So much for living in a free democracy!
Comment 12.1 8 Jan 2010, 9:07 PM
Exactly so, kayjim!
Comment 12.2 9 Jan 2010, 8:43 AM
Hi Kayjim, I think the tax arguement is a complete dud. The proceeds from smokers taxes do just about pay for the cost of treating them in hospital but do not go anywhere near far enough to pay for lost productivity, and for the emotional toll on people close to smokers when they die young.
I also don't think something that is about the health of our nation can be brought down to a simple matter of dollars and cents. If you follow the logic of your arguement we should stop educating young people not to smoke to raise tax revenue. Nobody would argue for that.
As for comparing freedom to smoke with discrimination on race, religion etc, I think that is just silly. My race and religion has no effect on other people. Smoking does, that is why it is our business. It smells, it is unhealthy and smokers litter (I know all smokers claim it is not them but the sheer volume of cigarette butts on the street contradicts that).
A ban on smoking on Council property would discourgage smoking, reduce littering and make Taree a better place for everyone.
Comment 12.2.1 9 Jan 2010, 11:46 AM
"My religion has no effect on other people"??????
I could argue that more innocent lives have been lost in wars fought over religion than the amount of lives lost by smoking!
But that is a separate issue.
Again,if you wish to use the argument of littering,then by all means ban anything that contributes.
After all,we wouldn't like to think you have double standards.
Comment 13 9 Jan 2010, 7:05 PM
Removed by moderator - the comment failed to respect the views of other users
Comment 14 10 Jan 2010, 12:21 AM
I am at a loss to understand why my post was removed.I was not intentionally disrespecting the views of other users,merely paraphrasing the previous views of others.!?
Comment 14.1 10 Jan 2010, 10:11 AM
Delta Rose:I did not see your posting, but I believe that there are some hidden agendas behind the screen. I put in a post last night which has not even been shown. I did not disrespect anyones views, I just asked questions.
Comment 14.1.1 10 Jan 2010, 12:14 PM
Freedom of speech?
A fair go?I have the feeling council has already made up its mind!
Comment 15 10 Jan 2010, 12:13 PM
As I first said I am not a smoker, but this is a reply from a smoker of 45 years-who has never been hospitalised or souhgt any treatment for a any sickness relating to cigarettes. Reply:have you ever thought about the real reason why we have so much sickness and early deaths in Taree and Wingham? 1. Would it be from smoking? 2.Car and motor accidents? 3. The chemicals and fertilisers that is washed down into Manning River-to which our drinking water comes from? 4. Could it be from our fuels and diesel fumes to which we breathe in everyday? more…
Comment 15.1 10 Jan 2010, 2:58 PM
I have not condoned smoking.I took it that this was not a forum "for or against smoking",but rather Where?
I did take offence at people ridiculing my choice to smoke.
I have not ridiculed them for their choices.We are asked to pay ever increasing rates,to pay for ever decreasing use of facilities.AGAIN,I would welcome "constructive" ideas on WHERE we could smoke.
Comment 15.1.1 12 Jan 2010, 5:00 PM
Delta Rose, a place where smokers could exercise there filthy habit would be in a sealed room with filtered outlet like they do at some european airports. I think reading all your comments here you are trying to justify your own addiction which I think you cant give up,come on be honest with yourself
Comment 15.1.1.1 12 Jan 2010, 5:43 PM
It's not the fact that I CAN'T give up,I resent being FORCED!
Comment 15.1.1.1.1 26 Jan 2010, 9:31 AM
That's what they all say when they are young and "bullet-proof"
Comment 15.2 12 Jan 2010, 4:52 PM
Come on kayjim Smokers are not being blamed for all the worlds problems, we non smokers are just asking for a little consideration not to pollute the clean FRESH air we want to breath,how about a little consideration from smokers.
Comment 15.2.1 13 Jan 2010, 3:00 PM
Dear Wilbob, I did not say that smokers are blamed for all the worlds problems, but rather all the worlds ills. If you believe the medical professions, they say that smoking gives you just about everything. From diabeties, breast and liver cancer, to arthritis and asthma and a host of other things. All these diseases, I have had family members suffer with, and none of them smoked. I think there is enough consideration for the non smokers at the moment. As Delta Rose stated where is the evidence to show smoking in an outdoor area causes health problems. I don't smoke but there should be areas where smokers can do so without prejudice. But quite frankly, people get more exposure to pollution from daily traffic and the cattle trucks coming into Taree, spilling their waste all over the roads and stinking up the atmosphere, especially when in close proximity to them. I believe it does not matter what we think or say, the council has already made it's mind up.
Comment 16 11 Jan 2010, 4:34 PM
Sorry.Can't find any evidence that smoking in seclusion in outdoor areas harms anyone else.If anyone finds valid evidence to the contrary,please enlighten me.
Comment 17 15 Jan 2010, 3:25 PM
As an ex smoker who now has emphysema as a result of smoking, I am in favour of the council's proposed policy to ban smoking in areas under it's administration. There can be no doubt that tobacco smoke - whether 'first" or second hand is quite injurious. I have no objection to those who wish to smoke - in spite of all the warnings - doing so, however freedom to exercise their right does not confer on smokers the right to subject others to their carcinogens.
Jacko
Comment 18 15 Jan 2010, 6:57 PM
Smoking is still a legal activity. I have never been a smoker.
Council should stick to their responsibilities & keep away from trying to poke their noses into moral/health issues whick are NOT their concern.
Comment 18.1 20 Jan 2010, 5:14 PM
Exactly! pvarvel. The council should work on more active problems, like the oval in town where the kids ride their skateboards it is always a mess. The roads are only ever patched, every time it rains; pot holes. They could do a better job, if they did it right in the first place. It was like the new garbage bins, why did we have to have three new bins? Our old bins were fine, just one new one would have been sufficient, and less costs to pass onto us!
Comment 19 11 Feb 2010, 10:28 AM
This makes good sense, especially in part-enclosed or crowded areas, where children are exposed and people have to work - like al frescoes. Already done by a dozen NSW councils. Very popular, no harm at all to business and becomes largely self-enforcing.
Comment 19.1 11 Feb 2010, 1:23 PM
I agree with your comments,Stafford.In part enclosed or crowded areas,it should come down to courtesy and respect to refrain from smoking.Unfortunatly,not everyone adheres to this(not just some smokers)I do however,object to a blanket ban on open space areas.