The Cancer Council and 10 other WA health groups have written to all mayors and shire presidents seeking their support in extending current smoking bans to include alfresco dining areas, between the flags of patrolled beaches, parks and reserves, sporting arenas, within 10 metres of children’s playground equipment, transport waiting areas, outdoor markets, entertainment venues and in vehicles carrying children.

The Cancer Council’s director of tobacco programs Denise Sullivan said the call reflected a big change in community attitudes and strong public support for bans on smoking, even among smokers, in outdoor areas.

Donnybrook-Balingup Shire chief executive John Attwood said Council had not considered the item.

He indicated there were no current WA laws that extended smoking prohibitions to public open space.

He said while Council could try to ban smoking on its controlled land, it would not have any legislative backing, which would make it difficult to enforce.

“I think this issue needs to be addressed at the State level so there is a consistent message sent to smokers about where they can or cannot smoke, rather than having different rules in different localities,” Mr Attwood said.