Smokefree Policy Project: Presentation to BID Networks May 2017

Purpose of presentation 1. Share information Provide an overview of the council’s smokefree policy programme, timelines and deliverables Key focus on implementation plan for non-regulatory policy 2. Options for input Highlight opportunities for BIDs to get involved to inform the council’s decision-making Outline purpose of presentation, note that newsletter and agenda item a bit misleading – focused on bylaw Will outline how possible bylaw fits in to this as part of presentation but the main focus in actually on implementing what we already have – which is a non-regulatory policy Format: - Policy background and overview Information about current work programme, including the trigger for this work, which was the policy review and subsequent political decisions Finish with discussion about how you can get involved if you want to

Background Policy adopted 2013 Aligns with central government and Auckland Plan goals Non-regulatory focus Public places and events The policy aligns with the Government’s goal of becoming a smokefree nation by 2025, and gives effect to specific commitments made in the Auckland Plan. It follows a non-regulatory approach aimed at encouraging people to refrain from smoking, particularly in public places and at public events. Compliance with the policy is voluntary and relies on the public being well-informed about the policy objectives.

Non-regulatory policy The policy is implemented over time, in three phases. The policy scheduled a policy review for 2016, between phases two and three of the implementation programme. BIDs have an interest in many of these spaces

2016 Policy review Purpose of review - to determine whether policy working in practice: evaluate the policy’s effectiveness at achieving its intent consider processes / implementation to identify conditions that have supported and/or hindered the policy effectiveness determine if a bylaw would improve policy effectiveness

Review findings Policy framework and intent are sound Auckland’s overall smoking prevalence has reduced Though policy’s specific contribution unclear Policy not on track to achieve objectives for Māori, Pacific and The Southern Initiative Implementation: gradual and fragmented confusion amongst stakeholders and community A smokefree bylaw mechanism is not necessary No infringement powers (fines) the policy framework and intent are generally effective and well supported by stakeholders there has been a reduction in the prevalence of smoking in Auckland since the policy was adopted, and Auckland as a whole is on track to meet the 2025 goal (objectives 1 and 4, and the overall purpose). However, it is unclear what role the policy has played in this the policy is not on track to achieve the policy objectives for Māori and Pacific groups, and The Southern Initiative area (objectives 2 and 4) the policy’s performance against other objectives is inconsistent implementation has been gradual and fragmented, which has hindered the policy’s overall effectiveness in meeting its purpose and objectives. This has also created confusion amongst all stakeholders and the community about the council’s role in contributing to smokefree outcomes a smokefree bylaw mechanism is not necessary to implement the remaining phases of the policy. The council would be unable to issue infringement notices under the bylaw, meaning formal prosecution would be the only enforcement remedy available. There is support for a bylaw among smokefree advocates. Survey data from these organisations indicates there is also public support for a bylaw, though the survey question specifically referenced fines as the bylaw enforcement mechanism.

Political decision following review Regional Strategy and Policy Committee directed staff to: Revise and strengthen the existing policy to 2025 more targeted demographic approach greater emphasis on more effective implementation include investigation of whether council contracts, leases, licences, events and grants stipulate a smokefree requirement. Develop an action plan to target those most in need, including Māori, Pasifika and vulnerable populations Investigate a smokefree bylaw commence the statutory process for investigating a draft smokefree bylaw to complement the council’s smokefree policy.

Programme overview: Process and timeframes

Relevance to BIDS What? Why? When and how? Implementation Plan Shared spaces, plazas, civic squares, outdoor dining Opportunity to provide input in to design and implementation Why? Overall regional coordination but real value in place-based approach and local initiatives When and how? Now – tell us if you’re keen to be involved or take away expression of interest form & email back to us Soon – attend hui on May 30th Later – we’ll report back in October 2017

Thank you for your time Kimberly Rees Belinda Hansen Policy Analyst, Project Lead Kimberly.rees@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Phone: 09 301 0101 Belinda Hansen Team Leader, Social Policy and Bylaws Belinda.hansen@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz