New legislation
The Victorian State Government is introducing important changes to legislation in relation to smoking in outdoor areas. From 1 August 2017, the Tobacco Amendment Act 2016 will amend the Tobacco Act 1987 to ban smoking at all outdoor dining areas when food is available for consumption. This will include: premises such as restaurants, cafés, take-away shops and licenced premises, including courtyard dining areas and footpath dining outdoor drinking areas if any part of that area is within 4 metres of an outdoor dining area, unless separated by a wall of at least 2.1 metres high food fairs other organised outdoor events, including community or street festivals. Please note business owners and individual smokers may receive an on-the-spot penalty for failing to comply. For more information, you can view the Fact Sheet here or visit the Victoria State Government website (https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/tobacco-reform/smoke-free-areas/outdoor-dining) Barkly Square looks forward to creating an even more pleasant environment for our staff and customers. We appreciate your cooperation.