Melbourne City Council considers extending smoking ban in line with other councils

Nic Price
January 21, 2013
http://leader-news.whereilive.com.au/

MELBOURNE Council is considering extending smoking bans in outdoor areas, as a new report shows the city is lagging in smoking restrictions.

A survey of Victorian councils by Quit Victoria found 30 councils in the state had introduced more wide-ranging outdoor bans than Melbourne.

Councillor Richard Foster said the council was considering extending outdoor bans after moving last year to ban smoking in playgrounds and childcare centres.

Cr Foster said he could not reveal what areas might be included, but other councils had implemented bans at sporting grounds, entrances to council buildings and pools.

He said he would also investigate a ban in alfresco dining areas, but there would need to be extensive consultation with traders first.

Cr Foster said the State Government should take the lead on smoking bans to minimise differences between nearby council areas.

But fellow councillor Rohan Leppert backed a ban in alfresco dining areas and said the council should take action even if the government failed to do so.

Quit Victoria executive director Fiona Sharkie urged the government to introduce a statewide ban on smoking in alfresco dining areas to provide consistency.

“Victorians deserve to enjoy a smoke-free outdoor dining summer like Australians living in every other state,” she said.

Ms Sharkie said seven out of ten Victorians supported the move.

Health Minister David Davis did not respond to the Leader before deadline.