Smokers are being hit with a $100 littering fine if caught discarding cigarette butts in Wanaka's public places.
The Wanaka Community Board yesterday called for Lakes Environmental's enforcement officers to "get tough" on people dropping cigarette butts. Those caught littering in public places are liable for a $100 instant fine under Queenstown Lakes District Council bylaws.
Board chairman Lyal Cocks said he had no sympathy for people caught dropping cigarette butts.
His sentiments were echoed by his board members, with fellow Queenstown Lakes councillor Leigh Overton calling for more cigarette receptacles and rubbish bins.
The number of butts littering Wanaka's streets in the mornings outside the lakefront cafes, bars, and takeaway shops was disgusting, Wanaka's QLDC secretary, Barbara Eden, said.
Mr Cocks said the litter often ended up in drains, waterways and, eventually, the lake.
