Tobacco Act

A range of tobacco reforms have been implemented over the past four years, with the aim of significantly reducing the harm caused by smoking.

Smoke-free dining

All enclosed areas of restaurants, cafes and dining areas in hotels and clubs are required to be smoke-free. Outdoor dining areas must also be smoke free if the area has a roof and the total actual area of wall surfaces exceeds 75% of the total notional wall area.

Smoke-free workplaces

Enclosed workplaces must be smoke-free. Everyone that works at or visits a workplace must abide by the smoking ban. Some workplaces are exempt from this law.

Tobacco retailers

There are limits to the size and number of tobacco displays in retail outlets. Tobacco advertising is prohibited, including unbranded tobacco advertising and "buzz marketing". Tobacco retailers are also required to display a health warning or quit smoking sign and a "No tobacco sales to minors" sign.

Sales to minors

It is an offence under the Tobacco Act (1987) to sell cigarettes to persons aged under 18 years of age. Tobacco retailers must display a "No tobacco sales to minors" sign and if unsure of a person's age, are required to verify the person's age by sighting proof of identification.

Licensed premises

All enclosed licensed premises (such as pubs and nightclubs) must be smoke-free. Acceptable no smoking signs must be displayed in a manner that ensures a person is reasonably likely to see one or more of them upon entering the premises.

Train platforms, tram shelters and bus shelters

Smoking is prohibited in all covered areas of train platforms, tram shelters and bus shelters. This prohibition applies regardless of weather conditions. Complaints regarding smoking in these areas should be directed to Metlink on 131 638.

For further information on tobacco legislation please contact Council's Environmental Health Department on Ph: 03 8290 1333.