Outdoor smoking areas to be scrapped at Melb. cafes, restaurants

OUTDOOR smoking areas will be scrapped at cafes and restaurants across Melbourne because owners don’t have room to implement soon-to-be introduced buffer zones.

From August 1 eateries will be required to adopt a four metre buffer to shield diners from smokers.

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OUTDOOR smoking areas will be scrapped at cafes and restaurants across Melbourne because owners don’t have room to implement soon-to-be introduced buffer zones.

From August 1 eateries will be required to adopt a four metre buffer or install plastic walls to shield diners from smoking customers.

However numerous business owners warn they do not have the space to comply and will shun smoking customers — telling them to butt out permanently.

Restaurant & Catering Industry Association boss John Hart told the Sunday Herald Sun scores of eateries had already advised the union they would do away with designated smoker areas.

“Most restaurants will just decide to have a dining area with no smoking,’’ Mr Hart said.

“Most of them would prefer to be non-smoking.

“But the ones that are problematic are essentially where people go for a break and a cigarette, basically places people go for a coffee, a piece of cake and a smoke.’’

Mr Hart said the ban was unpopular in “ethnically diverse’’ areas where stamping out a smoking restaurant culture was expected to be a challenge.

This included Lygon and Gertrude streets in Carlton and Oakleigh’s Eaton Mall.

Thousands of venues were considering how the changes would impact their businesses.

The move comes as the State Government prepares to launch a public awareness campaign in May.

The new law will force restaurants and pubs to bansmoking in outdoor dining areas while food is served. Picture: Eugene Hyland

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said the law was a step closer to a healthier restaurant culture in Victoria.

“We know smoking kills — that’s why we’re taking action to protect Victorians from the dangers of second-hand smoke,” Ms Hennessy said.

“Our new laws will mean Victorians and their families can enjoy their meals outside in a healthier, safer and smoke-free environment.

“We’re working with businesses to make sure they have the flexibility they need to comply with the new laws, with a number of different options available to them”

Pubs and hotels have also been evaluating the impact of the changes.

However Australian Hotels Association Victoria chief executive Paddy O’Sullivan said such venues were less likely to be affected.

“The new restrictions reflect community expectations of restrictions relating to smoking from dining in an outdoor area.’’

The new law will force restaurants and pubs to:

BAN smoking in outdoor dining areas while food is served;

ALLOW cafes to adopt non-smoking policy during lunch and dinner;

DISPLAY no smoking signage in any dining area; and

CREATE 4 meter buffer zones or a 2.1m blinds to stop smoke drifting from designated smoking areas to eating areas.

Snacks and drinks can be served in smoking areas.

People flouting the new laws can be fined between $155 and $777.

Businesses which don’t comply face fines of up to $7773.