Victorian pubs and clubs give butts the flick
13 July 2008
New research shows that cigarette butt litter outside Victorian pubs and clubs has almost halved since state-wide bans on indoor smoking at licensed premises were introduced last year.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the independent research, commissioned by Sustainability Victoria, also shows that nearly 70 per cent of licensed venues have an unenclosed smoking area for patrons, compared to 20 per cent before the ban.
The start of July 2008 was the first year anniversary of the ban and the launch of the 'Don't be a Tosser - Bin Your Butts' campaign in partnership with the Australian Hotels Association, Clubs Victoria, local governments and other key organisations.
"Cigarette butt litter was expected to rise following the bans but, thanks to industry support, the campaign to reduce littering outside licensed venues has been a success," Mr Jennings said.
"The research shows that since the launch of the campaign butt littering has fallen by almost half with about seven out of 10 smokers doing the right thing and binning their butts.
Australian Hotels Association spokesman Paddy O'Sullivan said pub and hotel operators helped by providing butt litter bins for their patrons.
"We are encouraged that most smokers are doing the right thing by using butt litter bins to lessen the negative impact on the environment and the amenity of their local area," Mr Sullivan said.
"Last year many of our local venues went to great lengths to install more outside ashtrays and bins and to encourage their patrons bin their butts.
"This research reflects the campaign's success and demonstrates the benefits of our members working together to stamp out butt litter which represents more than half of Victoria's litter."
The research also showed that:
• 73 per cent of the state's licensed venues and 66 per cent of local governments actively supported the campaign; and
• 55 per cent of venues have a butt bin and/or ashtrays in place outside for smokers, compared to 10 per cent before 1 July.
The campaign involved advertising, an information blitz to traders about keeping their venues butt-free, a butt bin rebate scheme for licensed venues and an on-the-street team who distributed free personal ash-trays to smokers.
