Smoking off menu
WANT a cigarette and a pancake for brunch? That plan goes up in smoke from Tuesday as a new State Government smoking ban comes into effect across Victoria.
Diners will be forced to butt out under the strict new laws, which dictate no lighting up in outdoor areas while food is served.
Restaurants and pubs will now also have to display no smoking signage in any dining area, and create a 4 metre buffer zone or 2.1 metre blinds to stop smoke drifting from designated smoking areas to eating areas.
The law change also bans smoking in all outdoor areas at food fairs and within 10 metres of a food stall or food vendor at an organised outdoor event, such as Geelong’s monthly food truck event Little Malop St.
Health Minister Jill Hennessy said the move was a fresh start for Victoria.
“Everyone will be able to enjoy a meal outside, with family and friends, in fresh air, and free from the deadly dangers of second-hand smoke,’’ Ms Hennessy said.
Smokers found flouting the ban will be slugged with fines ranging from $155 for individuals, while business could be made to cough up $7773 if they do not enforce the rules.
A City of Greater Geelong spokesman said the council had been working with restaurants and other food service vendors to ensure local business owners were aware of the new rules.
The council in May sent letters to 1600 food businesses and approximately 300 temporary and mobile food vendors explaining the tobacco reforms.
“There is a strong community support for smoke-free outdoor dining,” the spokesman said.
“Smoke-free outdoor dining will im- prove the outdoor eating experience and protect the community from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
“It will also make less common to public area, which is particularly important for discouraging children from taking up smoking.”
It’s understood snacks and drinks can still be served in smoking areas under the reforms.
Visit the Department Health and Human Services Tobacco Unit website at health.vic.gov.au/public-health/tobacco-reform or call the Tobacco Information Line on 1300 136 775 for more details.