Melbourne considers extending smoking/vaping ban to outside city landmarks

Smoking or vaping outside landmarks, transport hubs and iconic sites in Melbourne, Australia, is set to be banned under a city bylaw aimed at expanding existing smoke-free zones in the city. The city council is considering the scheme and signage that will include no-smoking or no-vaping signs in busy areas of the Central Business District.

The smoking ban is currently in place at 13 locations, but could be extended to high-traffic areas such as city hall, libraries and community sports centres. The city's mayor says the demand for more smoke-free locations is coming from the city's citizens.[1]. Current signage regarding smoking bans in the city will soon be updated to also include a ban on vaping in response to the concerning rise in e-cigarette use among young people.

A number of Australian states and territories have enacted regulations to prohibit smoking in various outdoor venues, including outdoor dining venues, children’s playgrounds and beaches. In the absence of state initiatives, many local authorities across the country have implemented such restrictions and bans through bylaws. Except in Western Australia, the vaping ban is enforced in all venues where the smoking ban applies.

The many benefits of smoke-free public and collective spaces

Smoking is recognized as the leading preventable cause of cancer and is also responsible for many heart and lung diseases. The health risks associated with exposure to smoking are also established. In this regard, there is no risk threshold and even low exposure can be harmful to health.

Tobacco-free environments through a smoking ban are the most effective way to protect people, both non-smokers and smokers, from the dangers of second-hand smoke. In addition to the health benefits, smoke-free places also help to:

- Reduce the adoption of smoking behavior among children and young people by removing tobacco from their environment and denormalizing its consumption;

- Provide a supportive environment for smokers who are trying to quit or who have recently quit;

- Reduce waste related to tobacco and other nicotine products.

Keywords: Australia, Melbourne, passive smoking, smoke-free places

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[1] Caroline Schelle, Melbourne mulls extending smoking ban to areas outside city landmarks, The Age, published August 22, 2022, accessed August 24, 2022