More often than not, I exit my local shopping centre directly past people smoking cigarettes or vaping. Generally, I complete the shopping for my family with my two year old daughter in tow, a mostly great experience each time. It is bad enough that I have to walk through the harmful toxin produced by these smokers, but for a two-year-old to deal with this is utterly disgusting. For us entering or exiting, there is no way to avoid these people and their smoking; we could seek another entrance only to find more people smoking.

Currently, the 'no smoking within 5 metres of a shopping centre entrance' regulation in Queensland still places smokers in areas where patrons —including babies, children, elderly individuals, and other vulnerable people— must pass through. Smokers can also smoke next to their cars in shopping complex carparks, which could be within a metre of someone putting a baby into a car seat, yet according to the regulations is above board. The regulations must be changed to ensure people can safely enter and exit shopping centres - and other similar establishments - without being subject to harmful toxins.

Any time that I ask a smoker to stop or move, when their actions are impacting me and my children, they act aggressively towards me. Their reaction is very poor and abusive, though to be fair they are often acting within the law and QLD Government guideline - hence the drastic need for change!! My daughter and others should not be subject to the smoking nor the abuse from these people.

To protect public health and ensure safe environments for everyone entering or exiting shopping centres, smokers should be required to completely exit the premises and lot before lighting up. At a minimum, regulations should be changed to ensure smokers are as isolated as possible in these environments. 

Sign this petition if you believe stronger regulations are needed for the well-being of our community members!