In a move that’s likely to ruffle the feathers of those that like to have a light with their music events, Tasmania has introduced a ban on smokers at a large number of festivals and events for the year.
As The Mercury reports, the State Government has introduced the new smoking ban as of January 2nd, 2013 that sees more than 30 public and festival events becoming smoke free, with the Tasmanian Government taking a hardline stance saying “it is time Tasmanian children grew up thinking of smoking as abnormal behaviour.”
The smoking ban also extended to the Australia Day celebrations over the long weekend, including enforcement in popular markets such as Salamanca, Evandale, Glenorchy, and Sorrell, and will the ban will be reviewed in 12 months’ time.
Music festivals are the latest to be made a no-go area for smokers, including major music festivals like Marion Bay’s Falls Festival, Day On The Green, Breath of Life, Symphony Under The Stars, and the Cygnet Folk Festival.
Event organisers for events will be able to apply to have designated areas to light up, with the option of setting up a maximum of two outdoor smoking areas, but the sectioned areas are to be made clear of food stalls, and children’s areas.
Tobacco control officers would also be on site at events to conduct random checks and ensure festival-goers would comply with the new smoke-free regulations,Tobacco control officers would also be on site at events to conduct random checks and ensure festival-goers would comply with the new smoke-free regulations, said the Health Department’s Environmental Health manager, Stuart Heggie, who added that fines and penalties would be a “last resort” against those found break the prohibition.
“These smoke-free [events] are in addition to the completely smoke-free Carols by Candlelight services held in the state this Christmas,” said Mr Heggie. “As well as the bans that already exist in a range of locations where children play and families gather, and the recently added patrolled areas of Tasmania’s beaches.”
Erin Collins, the Artistic Director for the Cygnet Folk Festival, that takes over the scenic Huon Valley for three days of music, arts and crafts, said the new smoke-free laws were a “logistical challenge” but would most likely be welcomed by patrons.
The new smoke-free laws are also a rather fitting change for the Breath of Life music festival, so named for the fact that the annual music event raises money for the Australian Lung Foundation to help fund research projects, education and support for those with lung disease – such as cancer, and pulmonary disease – as well as their families and carers.
The festival’s brainchild and promoter is ARIA award winning artist Mark ‘Diesel’ Lizotte, and following on from Breath of Life’s successful debut in 2011, is returning to Launceston’s Inveresk Showgrounds with an impressive lineup of international and local bands.
Hip hop fans will be sated by headliner Dizzee Rascal, as well as a selection of Australia’s finest emcees, including Bliss N Eso, 360, Illy, and Seth Sentry. Likewise hardcore and rock fans, who will be treated to sets by Birds of Tokyo, The Amity Affliction, House Vs Hurricane, Dream On Dreamer, Dead Letter Circus, and Northlane. While electronic fans will dig Flume, and a glut of clubbers favourites at the Ministry of Sound stage, including Steve Aoki and A-Trak.
Breath of Life Festival 2013 Lineup
Dizzee Rascal
Bliss N Eso
360
Birds Of Tokyo
Rudimental
Dead Letter Circus
Flume
Illy
Seth Sentry
Owl Eyes
+ more to be announced…
Ministry of Sound – Clubbers Guide Stage
Steve Aoki
A-Trak
Madeon
Havana Brown
Bombs Away (Live)
Goodwill
The Only
Kronic
Silver Sneakerz
The Twins
Uberjak’d
+ more to be announced…
Third Stage
The Amity Affliction
Dream on Dreamer
House Vs Hurricane
In Hearts Wake
Northlane
Redcoats
Twelve Foot Ninja
Closure In Moscow
Save The Clocktower
+ more to be announced…
Breath of Life Festival 2013 Tickets & Dates
Sunday 10 March 2013 (opening 11am)
Inveresk Showgrounds
Inveresk Precinct , Launceston
**All Ages** Licensed Festival
Tickets: breathoflifefestival.com.
