Power Point: Butt Out. No Butts about it.

Like the shining beacon on a cove in Dover on a foggy morning, the Frankston City Council is a shining light in the midst of heavy cigarette smoke.

They've developed a bold plan. A plan that can only be described as, as breath of fresh air. They've decided to trial the ban of smoking from Frankston's streets.

Yes, that's right. Banning smoking.

I mean, good God. It's 2010. We're aware of the risks smoking poses to both smokers and non-smokers and it's damn about time that someone lead the way in banning smoking in public areas

The trial will see an end to smoking in three busy open-air shopping districts in Frankston. Those who decide to light up in the designated zones will face fines of $110.

But it raises a good question. Is a fine of $110 enough to deter those who smoke from lighting up in a designated exclusion zone?

I for one say no. And that's a very big no.

We've already banned smoking from undercover areas, in front of most buildings in the CBD, in cars with children, in restaurants and on public transport. But creating smoke-free streets is an absolute must.

Fines amounting to $500 would work better as a deterrent that $110. In fact, a fine for smoking in an undercover carpark or a covered area of a railway station amounts to $173 - yet, I haven't seen a decrease in people smoking in those areas.

In conjunction to having higher penalties, a more pro-active, high-profile approach to combatting smoking in public areas must be undertaken. Having more Police and Authorised Officers patrolling streets, railway stations and other public areas, will create a visual presence in the fight against smoking.

I absolutely despise smoking. In fact, I deplore it. It's a disgusting habit and it's absolutely nothing to be proud about.

I don't give a damn about how someone got addicted or attracted to the foul stench of tobacco smoke, but what I do give a damn about is the health and safety of those who do not smoke - those who subjected to inhaling smoke from one inconsiderate, well quite frankly, a jackarse.

Those who compromise the health and wellbeing of those around them have absolutely no regard for those people, whether it be their loved ones, or just the general public.

Those who compromise the health and wellbeing of those around them have absolutely no regard for those on hospital waiting lists, or in dire heath straits because of the effects of passive smoking.

Those who compromise the health and well being of those around them have absolutely no regard for themselves.

I've seen the effects emphysema have on people. In fact, I've seen it first hand. And I can tell you damn well now that it's not something I want to see ever again. I've seen someone who I thought was the strongest person in the world, die because of complications from emphysema. Yet, he never smoked a day in his life.

Whether his emphysema was connected to passive smoking, I'll never know. But I know for sure that it's not pretty sight. Nor is it something I want to see happen to anyone else.

I am glad that the Frankston City Council isn't afraid of taking on this very big issue.

I am glad that they are not afraid to stick it to those who continually risk the health of those around them.

Here's hoping that the trial is a success. And that more local councils follow suit.