Amend smoking laws to reduce smoke drift in close-quarter housing

Petition request

That the House of Representatives update residential smoking laws to reduce smoke drift between properties where houses are 5 metres or less from a property boundary.

Why this petition

Smoke drifts like gas into neighbouring homes and yards, contaminating air spaces. Second-hand smoke contains toxic chemicals and can harm residents, including children and those who are pregnant or have health issues. It can cause migraines, breathing problems, and nosebleeds, and it affects people with prolonged exposure. I believe that current laws don't protect residents in close housing, and legal action is costly. I call on Parliament to create rules to prevent involuntary exposure.

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Community verdict

1 support · 1 oppose

⚔ Battles (7 days each)

winner: Priyanka Nair

👍 ForAnna P.

Five metres is two fences and a vegetable patch. When your neighbour's cigarette drifts into your child's bedroom window every night, 'it's legal' is not an argument. The law should treat smoke drift like noise — measurable, actionable, and not your problem to solve.

1 votes

1 : 3

👎 AgainstPriyanka Nair

The 'like noise' comparison is where it falls apart — noise is measured at a fixed boundary point, while smoke is a subjective experience that varies with wind, windows, and which way you're standing. You can't write an enforceable metre-based rule for something that doesn't respect property lines.

3 votes

Community arguments

👍 For Anna P. 15 Oct 2026

Five metres is two fences and a vegetable patch. When your neighbour's cigarette drifts into your child's bedroom window every night, 'it's legal' is not an argument. The law should treat smoke drift like noise — measurable, actionable, and not your problem to solve.

👎 Against Priyanka Nair 15 Oct 2026

The 'like noise' comparison is where it falls apart — noise is measured at a fixed boundary point, while smoke is a subjective experience that varies with wind, windows, and which way you're standing. You can't write an enforceable metre-based rule for something that doesn't respect property lines.