July 1 marks the first year anniversary of the Victorian Government’s legislation to make enclosed licensed premises smoke-free and Sustainability Victoria’s ‘Don’t be a Tosser - Bin Your Butts’ Campaign.
Due to the collaborative efforts of industry (which R&C Vic was involved) and government, the campaign succeeded in counteracting the expected increase in butt litter as a result of more smokers being outdoors.
The latest research from Community Change shows that butt litter prevention has been sustained and that licensed premises are keen to continue to avoid the negative environmental impacts from butts.
Butt littering behaviour decreased from 58% before the campaign to 33% at the campaign’s peak in August last year. Further evaluation in February 2008 showed that six months after the campaign responsible behaviours are continuing with butt littering rates at just 37%.
To mark the anniversary of the “Don’t be a Tosser” - Bin Your Butts campaign and to report on its success, Sustainability Victoria will be sharing the campaign’s good news and results with licensed premises and local government as well as providing additional copies of promotional materials. Our activities will include a media publicity campaign, a final mail out to licensed venues, consisting of an information sheet, posters and stickers, and an information sheet and template media release for use by local government.
