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Doctors welcome Council smoking ban
AMA Victoria has welcomed Baw Baw Shire Council’s ban on smoking in communal outdoor spaces.
“Baw Baw Shire Council should be commended for making the health of its local residents a priority. We encourage other councils to introduce bans on smoking in communal outdoor spaces,” said AMA Victoria President Dr Harry Hemley.
Dr Hemley made his comments following this week’s decision by Baw Baw Shire Council to ban smoking in many outdoor spaces. The ban extends to a number of spaces including alfresco dining areas, playgrounds, taxi ranks and some pedestrian areas. A twelve month trial of the ban will commence on 1 August 2011.
Baw Baw Shire Council’s decision has come after Monash City Council, Frankston City Council and the City of Port Phillip all moved to implement similar bans on outdoor smoking in the last twelve months.
“The effects of second hand smoke are well known,” Dr Hemley said. “Cigarette smoke can cause eye and nose irritation and in the longer term can lead to heart disease and lung cancer as well as exacerbate asthma in children and adults.”
“Victoria’s anti-tobacco measures are falling behind other states. Queensland and Western Australia have already banned smoking in alfresco dining areas.”
Last year AMA Victoria called for a ban on smoking in alfresco dining areas and other communal spaces.
“Smoking is still the largest preventable cause of death and disease in Australia. Bans on smoking in communal areas reduce the harms of second hand smoke and the number of individuals smoking.”
Victorian Medical Directory
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