Key messages
- Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes (vaping) is not permitted in any enclosed area of a workplace, including shopping centres, restaurants, and licensed premises.
- 'Enclosed' means an area, room or premises that is substantially enclosed by a roof and walls, regardless of whether the roof or walls or any part of them are permanent, temporary, open, or closed.
- Everyone in a workplace must observe the smoking and vaping ban, including employers, employees, volunteers, and customers.
Studies have found that restrictions on smoking in enclosed areas not only protects workers from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke but results in reduced smoking prevalence and consumption.
'No smoking' signage and resources
The occupier of a retail shopping centre, a bingo area or centre, a casino or an enclosed restaurant or café must display acceptable ‘No smoking’ signs.
Other employers are not required by law to display 'No smoking' signs. However, it is recommended that such signs are displayed to ensure that employees and visitors are aware of where smoking bans apply.
'No smoking' signs are available to order free of charge through the online order form on the Resources and factsheets page. PDF versions of the ‘No smoking or vaping’ signs can also be downloaded from this page. The Tobacco Act 1987 currently only requires ‘No smoking’ signage, so the use of ‘No smoking or vaping’ signage is voluntary.
Workplaces can implement their own smoke-free and vape-free policies to further support the statewide ban. If a workplace has a smoke-free and vape-free policy, both the workplace’s policy and the statewide ban will apply. Enforcement of the workplace policy would be the responsibility of the owner or Manager to enforce. Quit Victoria have resources available to support workplaces in going smoke-free, including a guide, available via the Quit website.
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