Monash Bulletin - 12 June 2007

New Smoking Laws From July 1

Monash City Council is launching a campaign to combat the expected increase in cigarette butt litter with the July 1 introduction of smoking bans in both licensed premises and Council playgrounds.

According to Mayor Tom Morrissey, cigarette butts are already the most prevalent form of litter in the municipality and he has called on Monash residents to observe the new laws and help ensure others did so as well.

"We are asking our residents to help us make our playgrounds smoke-free in order to protect our children and to also cut the risks of passive smoking in pubs and clubs," said Cr Morrissey.

On 1 March 2006, a statewide ban on smoking in enclosed workplaces came into force and from July 1 that will be extended to indoor licensed premises such as hotels and bars. This has the potential to lead to more smoking outside venues and an increase in butt litter unless public ashtrays are provided by the premises.

"While many smokers realize littering is against the law, they make excuses because butts appear small and insignificant when compared to other forms of litter. Unfortunately butt litter attracts more butt litter and when butts begin to decompose they leach poisonous chemicals into the environment."

People dropping butts can be given an on the spot fine of $215 if the butt is burning or $107 if it is extinguished.

For more information about the 'Bin Your Butts' campaign, please contact Sustainability Victoria www.sustainability.vic.gov.au

Page top

Published: 8 June 2007

[ Up: Monash Bulletin - 12 June 2007  |   Forward: Monash History Week ]