Phase two of Rotorua's extended smokefree policy is to be rolled out on New Year's Day, and is a sign of the times according to an affected bar owner.
The second phase includes outdoor pavement eating places, Eat Streat, the inner city markets and entrance and exits to public facilitiesand buildings.
Paul Croucher from Brew Bar on Eat Streat said most people recognised towns and cities implementing smokefree policies was a sign of the times and that it was, by-in-large, supported by most.
"Smoking has become less and less publicly acceptable which I guess, isn't a bad thing," Croucher said. "And while I support it, I do have a few concerns about displacement and enforcement."
He said smokers, both staff and customers of Eat Streat businesses, were distancing themselves from their own bars or restaurants to have a cigarette but unfortunately other local establishments ended up getting the smoke.
"I've seen it happen a few times and, each time, it was Lady Jane's [Ice Cream Parlour] and Picnic [Cafe] that ended up with the cigarette smoke," Croucher said.
Enforcing the smokefree policy, he said, would be interesting.
"I understand they [Rotorua Lakes Council] won't be too heavy-handed when it comes to the policy but I guess if a bar or restaurant is seen to be consistently letting people smoke and complaints followed, it would go further."
Nando's restaurant in Rotorua made the decision to display smokefree signs on its outdoor tables four-and-a-half years ago.
Nando's store manager, Sandy Kaur. Photo/Supplied
Nando's manager Sandy Kaur said more customers started coming in once the signs were displayed.
"We've received really good feedback from people saying it's good they can sit down, have their coffee and enjoy their meal," Kaur said. "It's about taking little steps to make positive change."
Rosemary Viskovic, the council's strategy development manager for sustainability and social development, is pleased the community, including businesses, are responding positively to the idea of extending smokefree spaces.
"We're pleased more businesses are supporting the Clear the Air goal, and we are happy to help them by providing resources and signage," Viskovic said.
Benjamin Hingston, manager of Manaaki Ora Trust – Tipu Ora, the Ministry of Health's Stop Smoking Service provider for Rotorua and Taupo, said the trust supported the Smokefree Outdoor Spaces policy.
"It's a huge support for people we are helping," Hingston said. "If they can go to public places like a park or restaurant that are smokefree, it helps them stick to their new lifestyle. We know from research, being in a smoking environment can prompt someone to smoke again."
Smokefree zones launched February 2017 (phase one) include: •All bus stops and shelters •i-Site and library surrounds, including Jean Batten Park •All sports grounds •Rotorua International Stadium •All youth spaces and skate parks •All council-controlled reserves and parks including lakefront reserves
January 2018 (phase two) smokefree zones to include: •Outdoor pavement eating places •Eat Streat •Markets held in the inner city •Entrances and exits to public buildings and facilities used by the public
The following areas have been smokefree since 2008: •Council-managed Tokorangi Forest •Council-owned playgrounds •Rotorua Community Youth Centre Trust premises •Tennis facilities at Lynmore, Okareka and Manuka Crescent •Child Care Centres, including kindergartens, Playcentres, creches and kohanga reo on council reserve land and immediate surrounds •Public toilets •Smallbone Park hockey turfs and Westbrook netball courts •Rotary Market at Kuirau Park •Council workplaces
