Everyone deserves to enjoy our community spaces without being exposed to second-hand smoke and vapour.
Monash's designated smoke-free areas help protect community health and wellbeing, particularly for children, older adults and people with existing health conditions.
Smoking and vaping also impact the cleanliness and appeal of our shared spaces, with cigarette butts and vaping products often discarded in nearby gardens and tree beds.
Throughout the summer, Council will increase visits to designated smoke-free areas to provide support, guidance and education for businesses and the wider community.
By building awareness of smoke-free areas and encouraging voluntary compliance, Council can ensure cleaner, healthier and more welcoming public spaces for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
What is a smoke-free area?
A smoke-free area is a designated public space where smoking and vaping are prohibited.
Council's Smoke-free Area Local Law 2021 designates Eaton Mall (Oakleigh) and Kingsway (Glen Waverley) as smoke-free areas.
Can I vape in a smoke-free area?
No. The smoke-free area requirements apply to both smoking and the use of e-cigarettes (vaping).
Why is Council enforcing smoke-free areas?
Smoke-free areas reduce harmful exposure to second-hand smoke and vapour to protect community health and wellbeing, particularly for children, older adults and people with existing health conditions.
They also reduce associated cigarette butt and vaping product litter.
What happens if someone is smoking or vaping in a smoke-free area?
Council will prioritise voluntary compliance through education and awareness, asking individuals smoking or vaping to stop or move outside a smoke-free area.
However, where non-compliance continues, enforcement action may be considered in line with Council's responsibilities.
Can penalties be issued for non-compliance?
Yes. Failure to stop smoking or vaping when asked or comply with other smoke-free area requirements may result in enforcement action, including the issue of an infringement.
Can businesses ask customers not to smoke or vape?
Yes. Businesses within designated smoke-free areas play an important role in promoting compliance to support a safe, healthy and welcoming environment.
Council will support businesses to do this.
What about outdoor drinking areas?
Smoking and vaping may be permitted in outdoor drinking areas if the areas is more than 4 metres from an outdoor dining area (or appropriately separated), subject to other legislative requirements set out in Tobacco Act 1987.
