The Napier and Hastings councils are seeking feedback from the public on whether they support a voluntary ban on smoking in public places.
The councils say signs would aim at encouraging smokers to "enjoy the fresh air and refrain from smoking". Photo: 123RF
The two councils say they worked together on the proposal to support central government's plan for New Zealand to be smokefree by 2025 because they share services such as buses.
The proposed smoking ban would cover public places such as bus shelters, parks, playgrounds and the outdoor areas of cafes.
The councils say it would not be enforceable, but signs would be displayed aimed at encouraging smokers to "enjoy the fresh air and refrain from smoking".
A Hastings District Councillor, Sandra Hazelhurst, said signs would be displayed to encourage smokers to enjoy the fresh air and refrain from smoking.
She said it would be difficult to enforce a smoking ban in public places, but if there was a police presence at an event, police would be permitted to enforce it.
The draft smokefree policy is on both councils' websites, and feedback for and against is sought.
