1. Smokefree Policy Project: Presentation to BID Networks
May 2017

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Programme overview: Process and timeframes

9. 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 & back to us
Soon – attend hui on May 30th
Later – we’ll report back in October 2017

10. Thank you for your time Kimberly Rees Belinda Hansen
Policy Analyst, Project Lead
Phone:
Belinda Hansen
Team Leader, Social Policy and Bylaws