Smoking and vaping

Overview

In Australia, tobacco smoking is the largest single preventable cause of death and disease. This is why stopping young people from smoking and making sure they are protected from tobacco smoke in the environment is a priority.

Our Public Health Department:

• provides advice and help on all tobacco and smoking-related issues
• conducts inspections of premises to make sure they obey the Tobacco Act 1987
• respond to all complaints about tobacco issues in our community

Report a tobacco related issue

Current tobacco reforms in force:

• A ban on smoking in cars with a person under 18 years
• A ban on sale of cigarettes at temporary outlets (such as horse races)
• A ban on certain fruit-flavoured cigarettes
• A ban on display of tobacco products

Smoke-free and vape-free areas

Smoke-free and vape-free areas are important as they:

• protect the community from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke, and the aerosol from e-cigarettes
• make smoking and vaping in the community less acceptable. The less people see smoking and vaping in public places, the less they will think it is okay, and instead, harmful
• support people who have quit or are trying to quit smoking and vaping.

Under the Tobacco Act smoking and vaping is banned:

• in enclosed workplaces
• in all outdoor dining areas
• in outdoor drinking areas if any part of that area is within 4 metres of an outdoor dining area, unless separated by a wall of at least 2.1 metres high
• at train stations, tram-stop platforms, tram and bus shelters, and on trains, trams and buses
• on the grounds of, and within 4 metres of entrances to, childcare centres, kindergartens, preschools, and primary and secondary schools
• at all under-age music or dance events
• within 4 metres of the entrances to children's indoor play centres, public hospitals and registered community health centres and certain Victorian Government buildings
• at and within 10 metres of outdoor recreational areas, including playground equipment, skate parks and sporting venues during under-age sporting events
• in all outdoor areas situated within the perimeter of a public swimming pool complex
• between the lifesaving flags, and within a 50-metre radius of each flag, at all patrolled beaches.  

Regulating tobacco sales

It is against the law to sell tobacco products to minors (people under the age of 18). Environmental Health Officers are authorised to enforce tobacco legislation.

Further information can be found at the Department of Health website.