Smoking Etiquette

It is a common sight for any urban area – groups of people huddled around each other on a cold day, chatting and smoking a cigarette. But apart from the well-known detrimental health impacts, how else do smokers affect those around them?

The footpath outside Little Super Girl at 809 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn has often been a popular spot for neighbouring office employees to convene for their cigarette break. However, the shop quickly found that their front garden bed was inundated with unsightly cigarette butts. “We were tired of cleaning it out… we put up signs, and it’s been much better,” says an employee at the shop.

The ‘no smoking’ signs that were put up have generally had the desired effect and the area has less cigarette butts.

Victorian law prohibits anyone from smoking in dining areas, enclosed workspaces and any public building entrances. As such, it can be understandably difficult for smokers to find an area that is convenient when they need the break. Where possible workplaces can create their own space which allows smokers a designated area to feel comfortable and not a nuisance to others.

In Glenferrie Hawthorn, just off Burwood Road, DBM Consultants at 5-7 Guest Street have set up an area for employees to have their breaks and smoke. There are benches, a veggie patch and ashtrays to keep the area clean (below).

It is important to remember to respect the property and space of the businesses in Glenferrie Hawthorn as well as the needs of all who live and work in the area.