Auckland Council has strengthened their Smokefree Policy to make all al fresco dining on footpath and Beaches areas smokefree. The new policy, which will come into effect from November 2017, requires all cafés and restaurants with licenses to provide outdoor dining on footpaths and beaches areas to ensure these areas are smokefree.
The policy aligns with the Government’s goal of becoming a smokefree nation by 2025, and gives effect to specific commitments made in the Auckland Plan. It follows a non-regulatory approach aimed at encouraging people to refrain from smoking, particularly in public places and at public events. The council says the policy doesn’t ban smoking, but encourages people through education and awareness to refrain at events and in certain public places.
