Victoria has strict laws under the Tobacco Act 1987 (Vic) and the Tobacco Regulations 2017 (Vic) to protect the community from the harms of smoking, vaping and second-hand smoke. These laws aim to reduce tobacco-related illness and support people who have quit or are trying to quit. These rules help keep public spaces healthier and safer for everyone – especially children and families – by reducing exposure to harmful smoke and e-cigarette aerosols.
Smoking and vaping are banned in the following areas:
- In a motor vehicle whilst a person under the age of 18 is present
- In enclosed workplaces
- In all indoor and outdoor dining areas
- In outdoor drinking areas if any part of that area is within four metres of an outdoor dining area, unless separated by a wall of at least 2.1 meters
- at train stations, bus shelters and on trains, trams and buses
- on the ground of, and within four metres of entrances to any:
- childcare centres
- kindergartens
- children’s indoor play centres
- preschools and;
- primary or 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
- certain Victorian Government buildings (such as the court house)
- at and within 10 metres of outdoor recreational areas including:
- playground equipment
- skate parks
- sporting venues during under-age sporting events
- In all outdoor areas situated within the perimeter of a public swimming pool complex.
- At a designated food fair or within 10 metres of a temporary food stall
Council’s Environmental Health Team works to ensure businesses and public spaces comply with these laws.
Penalties can apply if you smoke or vape in a banned area.
Find out more:
The Department of Health: Victorian Tobacco Reforms
Quit Victoria