A proposed smoking ban in the main centres on the West Coast has received mixed feedback from the community.
During a six-week consultation period on stamping out smoking and vaping in parts of Queenstown, Zeehan, Strahan and Rosebery, the West Coast Council received 125 submissions.
A majority of those that took part indicated they do not smoke or vape themselves.
In Queenstown, most respondents supported a ban on Orr Street (42%), followed by a ban on both Orr Street and Sticht Street (27%) and no change (21%).
Zeehan residents were largely in favour of a complete ban in the central business district (50%), while 25% opted for no change.
Strahan locals also backed a ban, with 55% supporting a ban on The Esplanade, 20% on the wharf and 20% voting for no change.
70% of respondents said Rosebery’s main street should go smoke-free.
Overall, 64% of respondents were in favour of bans and 9% were not.
One local opposed to the ban argued that there are already extensive smoke-free areas and that smokers have a “clinical and persistent addiction”.
“In my experience it would make more sense to ban wood heaters and diesel vehicles. A blanket ban is excessive and problematic,” they said.
Mayor Shane Pitt said the council will now seek advice from the Department of Health before moving forward with the ban.
“There’s a a lot more work that needs to be done,” he said.
