From 1 August 2017, Victorians will be able to enjoy a meal with family and friends outdoors in the fresh air, without the dangers of second-hand smoke.
The new bans that are currently being considered by the Victorian Parliament will apply to all outdoor dining areas where meals are served. These bans are strongly supported by the Victorian community, and businesses will be assisted in implementing these changes over the next year.
Although smoking rates have dropped significantly over the past 20 years, smoking remains a serious health issue in Victoria. Approximately 4000 Victorian lives are lost each year to smoking, while healthcare costs and lost productivity in Victoria amounts to $2.4 billion a year.
The new bans will impact on all outdoor dining areas where meals are served, including restaurants, cafes, take-away shops and licenced premises. It will cover both courtyard and footpath dining areas.
In addition, the bans will extend to food fairs and organised outdoor events, including community festivals, local fetes, sporting events and markets where meals are being sold.
The purpose of these new bans are to protect the community from second-hand smoke, support people who have quit or are trying to quit, and de-normalise smoking across the community to discourage young people from starting to smoke.
The new bans are the next step in supporting a healthier, smoke-free Victoria.
More information on smoke-free environments is available here.
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