Bill to ban smoking at outdoor dining and drinking venues

Brigid O’Connell
November 27, 2012
Herald Sun

A BILL to ban smoking at outdoor dining and drinking venues is being introduced to Parliament by the Greens this week.

Pressure is mounting on the State Government to back the ban, which is supported by Victoria’s peak health organisations and which would bring Victoria into line with all other states.

If passed, the legislation would ban smoking in outdoor dining and drinking areas, within 10 metres of playgrounds, within 4 metres of public transport stops, and at sports events.

Greens MLC Colleen Hartland will introduce the Bill to Parliament for its second reading tomorrow, and it is due to be debated in February.

“I don’t understand what is causing the Government to drag its feet on this,” Ms Hartland said.

“Queensland has had this legislation since 2006 and they actually found the number of diners went up, rather than (the law causing) a decrease in customers. For every trader who tells you this is going to be the end of the world, you’ll have two others saying ‘This is going to improve my business’.”

The Australian Medical Association, the Heart Foundation, Quit, and the Cancer Council, as well as the Municipal Association of Victoria, support the proposed bans.

A spokesman for Minister for Health David Davis would not comment on whether the Government would support the Bill, saying it was considering “further options for regulatory reform in consultation with key stakeholders”.

Quit executive director Fiona Sharkie said, “We know 70 per cent of Victorians support this ban. And with summer coming on, this support will increase, because people want to be smoke-free in these outdoor places.”

brigid.oconnell@news.com.au