Benalla Rural City - Tobacco and Smoking

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	Page Last Updated: Sunday, 21 March 2004

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Tobacco and Smoking

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Increasing evidence of the negative health impacts of direct and passive smoking, both in terms of death and reduced quality of life, has been published. In response, the State Government has recently introduced reforms to the Tobacco Act (1987).

Smoking in shopping centres

Smoking in gaming and licensed venues

Tighter Regulations

Banning smoking in certain places will make a contribution to reducing the harm to the community caused by passive smoking. Banning point-of-sale advertising and limiting tobacco displays may help to reduce the number of young people who take up smoking and to assist those trying to quit. Tougher penalties in relation to cigarette sales to minors will provide a strong financial incentive for retailers to refuse to sell cigarettes to minors. Council has information in relation to these regulations to inform local traders about their obligations under the new legislation. Council�s environmental health officers are responsible for enforcing these new laws under the provisions of the Tobacco Act. For further information contact Council's Customer Relations Team. Further information on tobacco legislation can be obtained by contacting the Department of Human Services on 9637 5657 or Quit Victoria on 9635 5524. Top

Smoke-free dining

The smoke-free dining legislation has been in place since July 2001. This legislation requires that all restaurants, cafes and dining areas in hotels and clubs are designated to be smoke-free. Top

Sale of Tobacco

To assist in minimising the number of people taking up smoking, laws have been introduced to limit the size and number of tobacco displays and to eliminate tobacco advertisements in retail outlets. Tobacco retailers are also required to display a health warning or quit smoking sign, and a �No tobacco sales to minors� sign. Top

Sales to minors

It is an offence under the Tobacco Act (1987) to sell cigarettes to persons aged under 18 years of age. Tobacco retailers must display a No tobacco sales to minors sign and if unsure of a person�s age, are required to verify the person�s age by sighting proof of identification (passport, driver�s licence or proof of age card). Top

Smoking in shopping centres

Shopping centres throughout Victoria are now legally required to be smoke-free. Shopping centre management must also provide the appropriate signs ensuring patrons are aware of the legislation and must take reasonable action if a person is found smoking in a shopping centre. Top

Smoking in gaming and licensed venues

In addition to smoke-free dining laws, new laws have been put in place to control smoking in gaming and licensed venues across Victoria. These new laws require:

one room to be designated as smoke-free in licensed premises with two or more rooms in operation;
the gaming machine area or room to be smoke-free at all times in gaming venues;
bingo centres to be smoke-free at all times; and
occupiers to display no-smoking signs to ensure that patrons are aware of smoke-free areas

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Tobacco Reforms

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