MCG smoking proposal stinks
17 Apr 2003
Quit Victoria has slammed a proposal by the Melbourne Cricket Club to re-introduce smoking at the MCG, saying the move is backward and completely out of step with community expectations.
'The MCC has been a leader on this issue, and have been actively marketing the MCG as a family-friendly, healthy, smokefree sporting ground,' said Quit Executive Director Todd Harper.
'We're therefore very surprised and disappointed to hear that the MCC is considering taking this backward step.'
'The current arrangements where patrons are required to leave the ground have been working well. These measures have been in place for several years now and enjoy a very high level of public support.'
'The public have come to expect to be able to enjoy the football or cricket in smokefree comfort.'
'Creating smoking areas, whether indoor or outdoors is not the answer. These areas are still the workplaces for MCC staff and we would be concerned if they were required to work in these smoking areas.'
'Legislation may be necessary, given the MCC's disappointing attitude on this issue.'
Mr Harper said the MCC’s announcement was ironic coming just days before Optus Oval’s smokefree policy comes into effect this weekend. Optus is the last major football venue in Victoria to introduce a smokefree policy.
Further information:
Zoe Furman
Media Communications Manager