A draft policy developed by the Clutha District Youth Council, if adopted, will see a smokefree stance adopted at public parks and playgrounds throughout the district.
The draft policy is out for public comment and promotes a smokefree environment in public parks and playgrounds, and would see signage erected to make people aware of this.
Youth council chairman Brendan Morrison said compliance with the policy would be voluntary and would not be enforced so as to penalise smokers in the community.
"The proposed policy is more about promoting a healthy environment, trying to reduce the number of young people taking up smoking, and discouraging smoking in public places where people, particularly children, gather," he said.
The draft policy states that another positive effect would be the creation of a sustainable environment that lives up to the district's "clean, green image" by helping to cut down on discarded cigarette butts polluting playgrounds and waterways.
Mr Morrison said the youth council had surveyed local secondary school pupils last year to get their thoughts on a smokefree stance for public places and events.
Of respondents, 97% were in favour of such a policy.
The youth council decided the policy should only apply to public parks and playgrounds. Submissions close on Thursday, July 21.
