Smoking in alfresco dining areas in Victoria could soon see an all-out ban. The move was believed to have been sparked by a report from VicHealth to Health Minister David Davis prompting the ban.
Although several councils have banned smoking in playgrounds and sports centres, they have come up against harsh opposition from traders and diners for trying to ban smoking in outdoor smoking areas.
But the push for the ban is growing in Victroria with the City of Melbourne considering making Bourke St Mall entirely smoke-free.
Quit Victoria executive director Fiona Sharkie said Victoria should introduce a statewide smoking ban in outdoor dining areas.
“Our research shows that around seven out of 10 Victorians want a ban on smoking in alfresco areas and are also very supportive of a ban in pub beer gardens if there is a designated smoking area,” she said.
