Opinion: Smokefree policy confusing

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When is a ban not a ban? That's what we were pondering this week, with the Rotorua Lakes Council committee decision to extend its Smoke-Free Outdoor Spaces Policy to a range of outdoor areas, including sports grounds and council parks (from next month) and (from January 2018) outdoors on Eat Streat and other footpath dining areas.

But while "subtle signage" will apparently be erected, it seems that may in effect be more of a polite suggestion than a firm rule. There will be no enforcement and no legal reason why someone shouldn't light up a cigarette.

The council clearly means well with this policy. It wants its residents to be fit and healthy and it wants to help people stop smoking and stop children picking up the habit.

But I was left wondering what the point of the policy was, if there are no consequences for flouting it. According to mayor Steve Chadwick it's about educating the public to model and promote appropriate behaviour. She said the policy would be introduced over time to allow businesses time to come to terms with it.

That comment seems to suggest businesses will be expected to stop people smoking outside their premises. Will they have to police a ban they had no choice over? Other questions abound. Will we see further public shaming of smokers who, let's remember, are not doing anything illegal? Or will the signs simply be ignored, rendering them completely useless?

Apart from one attempt to drag on a cigarette at a party in my early 20s (my rebellion was brief and late), I have never smoked. It wouldn't bother me if smoking was banned everywhere - though I do have some sympathy for smokers, the majority of whom I have found to be pretty considerate.

To me the policy just seems a bit half-hearted and token, with the potential to cause confusion.

This was just one of the issues the council has tackled in the first few weeks of its new term.

The Hemo Gorge roundabout sculpture has been one of the more contentious. I agree with many of the Facebook comments and letters we have received from readers. That is, it looks like a beautiful sculpture. But wow, it's quite expensive and do we really need it at this point in time?

Let's hope the hoped-for external funding comes through, so ratepayers can enjoy the finished artwork as they drive past, without worrying about the cost.