It’s Official - Rundle Mall Is Now Smoke-Free

Shoppers, traders and the general public will now be able to enjoy a smoke-free Rundle Mall.

Adelaide City Council met last night to determine the area the ban will cover – the last step in Council’s decision to pursue the smoking control. At the meeting, Council endorsed that the Mall and all laneways leading off the Mall, including James Place, Gawler Place, Twin Street, Stephens Place and Charles Street, will now be smoke-free.

“This is a great outcome for the city. It will not only protect children, the elderly and the community from second-hand smoke but it will also make the Mall a comfortable and healthy environment for all users,” said Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood.

“76% of the people who responded to the community consultation on the By-Law were in favour of the smoking ban. It goes to show that times are changing – the public has spoken and a smoke-free Rundle Mall is what the majority of South Australians want.”

“We are now asking for the community to help enforce the ban and to let others know that smoking isn’t on in the Mall.”

The move follows Council’s endorsement of By-Law 10-Smoking Control in March. It was then referred to the Legislative Review Committee of State Parliament for adoption and gazetted in April.

The smoking ban has received strong support from health organisations including Drug and Alcohol Services SA, the Heart Foundation and Cancer Council SA. 

“Smoke-free outdoor areas such as Rundle Mall will not only protect people from second hand smoke, but there is also good evidence that smoking restrictions actually support smokers trying to quit”, says Wendy Keech, Director of Cardiovascular Health from the Heart Foundation SA.

Cancer Council SA Chief Executive, Professor Brenda Wilson says “These smoke-free regulations will help to promote a healthier lifestyle and contribute to de-normalising smoking in one of Adelaide’s major hotspots.”

“South Australia has already shown overwhelming support for smoking restrictions and Adelaide City Council is to be commended for delivering this proactive move back to the community.”

From today, there will be a transitional period of six-months for people to get used to the no smoking controls. Council’s Authorised Officers will speak to members of the public and will educate smokers on the new ban.

“We will use this period to educate the public and to make sure everyone is fully aware of the ban before we start enforcing the By-Law,” said Sean McNamara, Program Manager of City Safety and Customer Services.

“Our intent in the first 6 months is about making sure people are aware of the harmful effects smoking can cause not only to the person smoking but the people around them.”

Councillor Michael Henningsen said that “Apart from the obvious health benefits, it will have a positive impact on littering and will also put the Mall on an even playing field with enclosed shopping centres.”

“Walking down a laneway, on to the Mall and not having to breathe in other people’s second-hand smoke will make visiting and shopping in Rundle Mall a lot more appealing for more people.”