A smoke-free area is a public space where smoking and vaping are not permitted. This may include open air spaces and dining within the smoke-free area. It is illegal to smoke or vape in a smoke-free and vape-free area under Clause 3A.3 of the Activities Local Law 2024. There are also a number of areas where it is illegal to smoke and vape under Victorian Government legislation. Visit the Health page for more information.

Proposing the Melbourne Town Hall and council administration buildings as smoke free areas aligns with the Smoke-free Melbourne Policy, which highlights that future smoke-free areas will include highly pedestrianised spaces and tourist areas. The proposed smoke-free areas also align with similar restrictions that are currently imposed around Victorian Government buildings under the Tobacco Act 1984 (Victorian Government legislation).

Smoke-free areas support the community in the following ways:

• Protect the community from second-hand smoke and aerosol.
• Reduce uptake of smoking and vaping behaviour in children and young people by modelling non-smoking and non-vaping behaviour.
• Provide a supportive environment for people who smoke or vape and who are trying to quit or have recently quit.
• Reduce tobacco and e-cigarette related litter.
• Improve public amenities.

Smoking is commonly recognised as the leading preventable cause of cancer and is 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.

Buildings included in the proposal are:

• Melbourne Town Hall, 90/130 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Council House 1, 200 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Council House 2, 218-240 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

Please refer to the map and proposed plans, which outline the boundaries. The smoke-free areas include entrances and footpaths at the front of the buildings.

Under the Tobacco Act 1987, smoking and vaping is banned within 4 metres of entrances to certain Victorian Government buildings, however this does not apply to local government buildings.

Clear and effective signage will be displayed advising the community that the area is now smoke-free.

Public consultation with the community is required for any proposed extension of the smoke-free areas under the Activities Local Law 2024. This is a requirement that was endorsed by the Future Melbourne Committee on 5 June 2012.

We consider all feedback, both for and against, when making decisions about creating smoke-free areas. The feedback report is then provided to Council for consideration. Councillors review the feedback reports and submissions received. Each issue is put to a vote, with a majority needed for an area to become smoke-free.

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