Smoking will be banned in Hobart shopping malls after a unanimous vote for the move by City Council aldermen.

The council says the ban will apply to Elizabeth Mall, the bus mall and Wellington Court. From August 1 next year, outdoor dining areas also will become smoking-free zones.

The decision came after repeated calls for state-wide bans were fobbed off by the Tasmanian Government.


Aldermen slammed the government for not taking the lead, despite repeated pleas, leaving it to councils to take piecemeal action. They also panned the Local Government Association of Tasmania for opposing the move.

Last year, traders asked for a ban on smoking to address the issue of people gathering outside stores, saying a ban would help move troublemakers out of the mall.

Source: The Mercury