Smoking at plaza entrance contravenes law
I would like to bring your attention to the problem with smokers gathering around the two most-used access points of the Deepwater Plaza.
When entering or leaving, patrons are forced to walk through other people's smoke.
The No Smoking signs seem to be a magnet for a place for smokers to congregate.
The management should ensure the laws are policed.
The worst is at the Gloria Jeans smoking area, right at the main entry - the door most people use.
No smoking signs are on the pillars with smoking allowed at tables nearby.
NSW Government Laws that came into effect on January 7 state that the smoke-free areas were chosen as they are public outdoor places popular with children and families, or which can be crowded, or at which there is limited opportunity to avoid second-hand smoke.
Smoking is now banned in the following outdoor places: Within 10 metres of children's play equipment in outdoor public spaces; spectator areas at sports grounds or other recreational areas; swimming pool complexes; railway platforms, light rail stops, light rail stations, bus stops, taxi ranks and ferry wharves; and within four metres of a pedestrian access point to a public building.
There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke which is the smoke which smokers exhale after inhaling from a lit cigarette.
In adults, breathing second-hand tobacco smoke can heighten the risk of cardiovascular disease and lung cancer and worsen the effects of other illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma (extract from NSW Government website http://www.nsw.gov.au/news/new-laws-come-effect-smoke-free-outdoor-areas ).
The smoking tables are less than four metres from the entry passage and sit right on a pedestrian path that is not four metres wide, making it impossible to comply with the law.
As a considerable number of the patrons of Deepwater Plaza are elderly, a fair proportion have lung problems and could be affected greatly by the current arrangement.
Gloria Jeans should consider the public health and consider moving or eliminating smoking tables.
As for the best way to access the great retailers of Deepwater Plaza, I go through Priceline (now thankfully they have re-opened the side door) or the liquor store entrances.
I would be interested to hear what others think on this matter.
Email, 12 Dec 2013
Jim Brooks, Woy Woy