Café managers say going smokefree is easy

Smokefree outdoor dining rules have been well-received by Palmerston North cafes. From May 2016, Palmerston North City Council (PNCC) required businesses with tables and chairs on city footpaths to display smokefree signs and remove ashtrays.
Following the introduction of these rules, an independent evaluation has found 80% of Palmerston North café managers are positive or neutral about the impact of the permit conditions on their businesses.

“The results of the survey were not a surprise as we expected the smokefree conditions would have minimal effect on business operations,” says Graeme Gillespie, Palmerston North City Council Head of Environment Protection Services.

The Smokefree Outdoor Dining Permit Condition Evaluation found that:
• 79% of respondents were aware of the permit conditions
• 68% perceived neutral impact on business operations
• 12% perceived a positive impact on business operations
• 60% said implementing the permit conditions was easy.

Julie Beckett, MidCentral Public Health Services Health Promoter says, “Palmerston North City Council is leading the way in becoming smokefree and this report is evidence smokefree outdoor dining is hassle-free, so I challenge other councils to follow suit.”

The permit conditions were evaluated by surveying Palmerston North cafe managers. The survey was conducted by an independent research company and funded by Palmerston North City Council, the Heart Foundation, Manawatu Cancer Society and MidCentral DHB Public Health Unit. Survey results were analysed by Phil Gendall of Otago University and published in the Smokefree Outdoor Dining permit Condition Evaluation report available from PNCC.

ENDS

© Scoop Media