Now Shoalhaven City Council is turning its attention to outdoor dining areas to see if smoking is becoming a problem around alfresco diners.

The Heart Foundation’s smoke free policy in outdoor areas lists Shoalhaven City Council as one that allows smoking in areas set aside for alfresco dining, prompting Cr Amanda Findley to question the situation.

“In light of council’s strong leadership in encouraging alfresco dining, we now have an obligation to ensure that we do not turn our pedestrian interface into a smoking zone,” Cr Findley said.

She called for a review of council’s policy on smoking in alfresco dining areas, which she said should be conducted in consultation with retailers, business operators and customers.