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MAV seeks new state framework for outdoor smoking bans (20 Sep)

20/09/2011
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has put a proposal to the State Government for a statewide framework for smoking in outdoor public places, including bans in alfresco dining areas and children’s playgrounds.

​Cr Bill McArthur, MAV President said that consultation with councils had confirmed broad support for uniform smoking bans in some outdoor areas that could improve public health outcomes for communities.

“Smoke-free alfresco dining and playgrounds already exist or are proposed by state governments in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania.

“Further action is needed by all governments to achieve the national benchmarks to reduce tobacco use and meet the goals set out in the Victorian Health Priority Framework 2012 – 2022.

“Lifestyle choices contribute to avoidable chronic health conditions. This includes illness and death from smoking and second-hand smoke, which costs around 4 000 lives and $5 billion every year.

“The MAV’s recommendations to the Minister for Health build on work by a number of Victorian councils who have introduced local laws banning outdoor smoking for some designated public spaces.

“While the MAV believes councils are best placed to determine local smoke-free policies for council-owned buildings and land, Victorians could also benefit from consistent laws for some common outdoor areas.

“In addition to proposing state smoking bans for alfresco dining and playgrounds, the MAV is asking the Government to investigate and test community support for bans in other public places such as beaches, sports grounds and facilities, and outside school entrances.

“Development of criteria to guide when statewide tobacco laws are the most effective way to reduce smoking in the community would be helpful, and should be done through consultation with all stakeholders,” he said.

The MAV’s Outdoor Smoking Framework proposal was developed with input from Victorian councils to build on initiatives already underway in some municipalities, interstate and overseas; and taking account of research about community attitudes, adverse health impacts, and potential benefits.

A 2009 survey by the Cancer Council of Victoria showed that 77 per cent of adults supported a ban at outdoor places where children are present, and 71 per cent supported smoke-free outdoor dining.

Cr McArthur said that further action was not intended to outlaw smoking everywhere, but was needed to minimise the take-up of smoking and address community confusion around similar public spaces with different laws when you travel from one municipality to the next.

“We have strict controls for alcohol and many other items that can be bought legally. Restrictions apply where there are strong individual and public benefits such as reducing avoidable illness, serious injury and death.

“The consequences of not acting are high – including lives unnecessarily lost, higher public health costs, and missed opportunities to de-normalise smoking, particularly among minors and disadvantaged communities.

“Further action can see Victoria continue to progress its strong track record as a leader in preventative healthcare,” he said.

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View the MAV Recommendations for a Victorian Outdoor Smoking Framework.