Smokers in Victoria will be banned from lighting up at all outdoor dining areas from August 2017. Included in the ban are licenced premises, restaurants, cafes and takeaway shops.
Smoking bans began in Victoria in 2001 when smoking was no longer permitted inside restaurants. Currently, smoking is banned at train stations and tram stops, in cars where children are passengers, within 10 metres of sporting venues, playgrounds and skate parks, and within public swimming pool arenas.
Bans put in place earlier this year prevent smoking within four metres of schools, childcare centres, kindergartens and preschools, many government buildings, including parliament, courts and police stations, and the entrances of public hospitals and community health services in Victoria.
Both the state government and the Cancer Council Victoria are supporting the bans, with latest Cancer Council figures showing that 73 per cent of Victorians back the new legislation.
There is an on-the-spot fine of $152 and a maximum fine of $758 for people found smoking in Victoria’s banned zones.
Would you support a ban at all outdoor dining areas in your state or territory?
