3 May 2014

New law may ban a smoke in the park

6:21 pm on 3 May 2014

Smoking could soon be banned in one of Wellington's inner-city parks if a city council proposal is adopted.

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Photo: 123RF

The city council is proposing that Midland Park becomes smokefree from the end of May, to improve the environment for people who do not smoke and to help those who want to stop.

Smokers are already banned from lighting up at all sports grounds, skate parks and playgrounds.

The mayor of Wellington, Celia Wade-Brown, says the council has had a number of approaches to extend the policy to downtown areas and Midland Park is a good first step.

Ms Wade-Brown says if the ban proves popular it may be considered for other inner-city parks.

She says while people would be encouraged to comply with the ban, there would not be penalties for breaches.