Smoking will be banned from nearly all outdoor dining areas in Victoria on the 1st of August.
The new state government legislation includes banning smokers from footpath dining areas, beer gardens and outdoor events while food is being served. ‘No smoking’ signs must also be on display in any dining area, and if these laws are broken, smokers could cop fines up to $777.
Businesses can provide smokers an alternative by creating a 4-metre buffer zone or a 2.1-metre wall between the smoking and smoke-free areas. However if they don’t comply, they could face a fine of up to $7773.
The Laurel Hotel in Ascot Vale has a rooftop beer garden and an outdoor courtyard area used both for smoking and eating. Owner Christine acknowledged that there are positives to the law change, but feels that she will lose business.
“We are going to lose customers from this change, people will probably end up staying at home where they can eat, drink and smoke.”
When it comes to the buffering zone and separating wall, Christine said that will be a struggle as well.
“It’s hard. It’s going to cost us money to create extra areas specifically for smoking only. The two metre wall isn’t an option for us, and the four metre buffer is a lot when you walk it out.”
Director of Quit Victoria Dr Sarah White says she is delighted that the government have taken this step.
“Surveys show around 80% of smokers want to quit, that’s hard to do when people are smoking around them.”
White said after smoke-free legislation has been introduced, time and time again there’s actually an increase in business.
“86% of Australians don’t smoke at all, so the vast majority of Victorians don’t want cigarette smoke around them as they eat, including smokers.”
“There’s a lot to celebrate – for non-smokers, parents with their children and for those who are trying to quit. History tells us this is a good thing.”
Victoria is the last state to introduce smoke-free outdoor dining in Australia.
