Move to oust smokers from Sydney’s ‘premier’ space

The council of the City of Sydney, Australia, is due to vote on a proposal to make Martin Place – described as the city’s ‘premier civic open space’ – smoke-free for a 12-month trial starting early next year.

And, according to a story by Jim O’Rourke for The Daily Telegraph, further restrictions could follow. “If it is successful I would look at a motion to expand the ban to Pitt St Mall,” councillor Christine Forster, who put forward the Martin Place proposal, was quoted as saying.

Smoke-free outdoor areas already exist in Martin Place under state law. People cannot smoke within 4 m of an entrance to a public building.

And from July such a restriction will apply to hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafés.

If the council accepts the Martin Place proposal it will allocate a full-time ‘ranger’ to police the rule.