Smoke-free outdoor dining backed after successful pilot

Local government authorities are being encouraged to implement smoke-free outdoor dining into policy.

That is one of the recommendations following the completion of a pilot programme in Otago and Southland.

The Fresh Air Project, which had already been successful in Christchurch, was held in Dunedin, Invercargill and Queenstown, supported by the Otago Chamber of Commerce, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Dunedin and Invercargill city councils.

Twenty cafes made their outdoor spaces smoke-free from November until March and cafe owners were interviewed before it started, midway through and at the end for feedback.

This was then evaluated by the Cancer Society and Public Health South.

The three main impacts on business were a decrease in smoke drifting inside, an increase in pleasantness of the outdoor area, and a decrease in smoking-related litter and clean-up, the summary said.

Other impacts included fewer complaints from customers about others smoking and a slight increase in the use of the outdoor areas. The majority of businesses indicated there was no change in revenue or customer numbers.

Despite some challenges, 100% of pilot venues stated they would continue to have smoke-free outdoor dining areas at their cafe or restaurant after the pilot had ended.

More than 1500 customer responses were received and 94% supported smoke-free outdoor dining.

Some venues approached the team to sign up after the pilot had started and many others were happy to join the movement.

There are now 45 venues with smoke-free outdoor dining on the Fresh Air website.

Businesses were mindful of any changes that might impact on their reputation, popularity and profitability.

Some businesses received a small number of negative reactions from customers but mid and post-pilot findings showed that was rare.

Many owners and managers supported a ''level playing field'' where the risk was removed completely for businesses.

The pilot was resource intense, and for greater sustainability, a broad collaborative approach was needed, the pilot's conclusion said.

It was recommended the Queenstown Lakes District Council, Dunedin and Invercargill city councils and local government in other areas of New Zealand implement smoke-free dining into policy.