Public health groups say move will protect against passive smoking as well as open cafes to more people
The Victorian government intends to ban smoking in all outdoor dining and hospitality areas across the state.
It also plans to create smoking-free zones outside entrances to all public buildings.
Public health advocacy groups supported the moves before an official announcement by the state’s health minister, David Davis, on Monday.
“Victorians can all breathe a little easier today knowing that Victoria has committed to putting public health first by creating smoke-free drinking and dining areas,” Quit Victoria’s tobacco control policy manager, Kylie Lindorff, said.
The Cancer Council cited its survey of 4,000 Victorians, which found one in five would visit cafes and restaurants more often if outdoor smoking bans were introduced. It said 49% of respondents said they had avoided an outdoor dining area in the past year due to smoking.
“Workers in outdoor hospitality areas are entitled to an environment free of smoke, and the announcement today puts that finally within grasp,” Cancer Council Victoria’s chief executive, Todd Harper, said.
Heart Foundation Victoria’s chief executive, Diana Heggie, said the moves would protect Victorians from the harms of passive smoking.
“Smoking is a major cause of heart disease and cancers, killing thousands of Victorians every year, so we are delighted the government has signalled that it is finally time to protect Victorians from the harms of secondhand smoke,” Heggie said.