Department of Health

Tobacco reforms

Ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas

The continuing decline of smoking rates across Victoria demonstrates the success of the state’s robust anti-smoking laws and policies to reduce the widespread harm caused by tobacco.

The tobacco reforms section contains information for businesses and the community about smoke-free areas and the laws relating to the sale, display and advertising of tobacco products.

It lists locations and events where smoking is banned, and includes factsheets, signage and other resources for the owners and operators of public facilities.

Ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas and regulation of e-cigarettes and shisha tobacco

The Tobacco Amendment Act 2016 has amended the Tobacco Act 1987 to ban smoking in outdoor dining areas and regulate e-cigarettes and shisha tobacco in the same way as other tobacco products.

These reforms commenced on 1 August 2017.

For more information on the ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas, visit the smoke-free outdoor dining page.

For more information on the regulation of e-cigarettes, visit the retailers page. For more information about the regulation of shisha tobacco, visit the resources and factsheets page.

Information for businesses

Detailed guidance materials, resources and advice are available through the Tobacco Information Line and the resources and factsheets page.

Tobacco reform legislation and regulations

Since the Tobacco Act became law in 1987, it has undergone a number of amendments to increase tobacco controls in Victoria.

Tobacco laws - why they are needed

Increasingly tough anti-smoking legislation has contributed to the decline of smoking rates in Victoria, and to a growing awareness of the harm caused by tobacco smoke.

Smoke-free and vape-free areas

A growing number of public places in Victoria have been declared off limits to smoking through recent amendments to the Tobacco Act.

Retailers

It is illegal for a retailer to sell tobacco products to a person under 18, or to display tobacco products or packaging anywhere on their premises.

Resources and factsheets - tobacco reform

Downloads of all documents, signage and public information relating to tobacco controls and legislation.

Reviewed 03 February 2023

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Contact details

Postal Address: Tobacco Control Section, Department of Health, GPO Box 4057, Melbourne, VIC 3001

Tobacco Control Section

50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
tobacco.policy@dhhs.vic.gov.au

Contact details

For information about tobacco control in Victoria

Tobacco Information Line Department of Health

Phone 1300 136 775
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