A smoke-free area is a public space where smoking is not permitted. This may include open air spaces and dining within the smoke-free area. It is illegal to smoke in a smoke-free area under Clause 3A.3 of the Activities Local Law 2009. There are also a number of areas where it is illegal to smoke under Victorian Government legislation. Visit the Health page for more information.

Smoke-free areas support the community in three main ways:

• Protect community from passive smoking
• Reduce uptake of smoking behaviour in children and young people by modelling non-smoking behaviour
• Provide a supportive environment for people who smoke who are trying to quit or have recently quit.

Smoking is commonly recognised as the leading preventable cause of cancer and also responsible for many heart and lung diseases. According to the Cancer Council, a smoke-free environment is the only way to fully protect non-smokers from the dangers of second-hand smoke, as even small amounts of exposure to tobacco smoke can be harmful to people's health.

We are proud to be creating healthy environments where people can live, learn, work and play.

There are currently 11 smoke-free areas prescribed by the City of Melbourne including The Causeway, Howey Place, Block Place, Equitable Place, Goldsbrough Lane, QV Melbourne, The Tan and Princes Park running tracks, Collins Way and Fulham Place.

Under Victorian Government legislation there are additional locations where smoking is not permitted, such as outdoor dining areas, playgrounds, childcare centres, and outside certain building entrances. For more information visit the Health pages.

We are proposing that the new smoke-free area includes the street plus footpaths, tramway and the roadway on Bourke Street from Elizabeth Street to Russell Place on the south side, and La Trobe Place on the north side.

Tell us what you think about this proposal by responding to our feedback form as a business owner or individual.

At this stage we are engaging the community on proposed new smoke-free areas in the city. Smoking will continue to be legal outside designated smoke-free areas. For more information on where smoking not permitted, please visit the Health page.

Prescribed smoke-free areas are enforceable under Clause 3A.3 of the Activities Local Law 2009 (Local Law). All areas prescribed smoke-free will be clearly signed indicating that it is not permitted to smoke in these areas. Fines may apply if a person fails to comply with these restrictions.

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