> FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

The Cancer Society is encouraging local councils to adopt Smokefree Outdoor Area policies which discourage smoking in areas under their control and at council-funded events.

FAQ's for general public

• Why do we need smokefree outdoor areas? 
• How will smokefree outdoor areas make smoking seem less ‘normal’? 
• What is the benefit of smokefree outdoor areas?
• Do other areas have smokefree outdoor areas? 
• How is the policy enforced? 

FAQ's for Councils

• There are so many important things going on in our communities, why would we want to deal with smoking?
• Okay it’s important, but isn’t it the responsibility of the Central Government? Why should Councils get involved?
• But we’re not health workers, shouldn’t the DHB’s be doing this?
• Is there any legislation which supports Council involvement in public health issues?
• Why expand smoke-free environments though, shouldn’t we focus on educating people?
• It sounds reasonable, but our resources are already stretched to the limit, how are we going to enforce it?