Smoking ban survey glitch
Posted
Launceston businesses have criticised the city council for leaving them out of a survey on a smoking ban proposal.
The council is investigating how aldermen came to be told that 50 businesses were surveyed when in fact none were consulted.
The Mayor, Albert van Zetten, says the council will now conduct a proper survey.
"We're committed now to doing a survey and hopefully getting it right with staff to ensure that we do get the views of the businesses in the city," he said.
The Tasmanian Hospitality Association's spokesman, Steve Old, says members will happily give feedback but the council needs to be more transparent.
"That is all we want to be, is part of an informed decision process and our members can tell them what impact this will have on their venues," he said.
"But the disappointing part is is this the way council does business.
"If we didn't pick up on this glitch we are wondering when they were going to say 'apologies, we were wrong'."
The smoking ban is due to take effect from next January.
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