no smoking at rail, tram and bus stops

Ashley Gardiner

Today marks another nail in the coffin for smoking in Victoria because having a puff under railway station shelters is now illegal.  At midnight, smoking in covered tram and bus stops also became an offence. 
Public transport ticket inspectors have the power to issue fines to offending commuters.

Bus Association of Victoria marketing manager Russell Coffey said the new regulations would be difficult to enforce at bus stops. He said the association had only four inspectors, while few bus companies had their own.  "It's going to be hard to police because we don't have the coverage on the ground," Mr Coffey said.  Bus drivers have not been instructed to remind offenders of the new ban, he said.  But every bus shelter will have a no-smoking sign installed.

The new bans, passed by State Parliament last year, also outlaw tobacco promotion including so-called buzz marketing and non-branded tobacco advertising.  Smoking and the sale of tobacco is also outlawed at under-age music and dance events from today.  It also extends to enclosed workplaces, except for pubs and clubs, where smoking will be banned next year.  Sole-operated businesses not frequented by visitors, the interior of vehicles, prison cells and exercise yards, immigration detention centres and Crown's high-roller rooms are exempt from the bans.  Australian Hotels Association chief executive Brian Kearney said hotels were preparing for the introduction of further smoking restrictions on July 1 next year.  Mr Kearney said hotels would have legal alternatives including balconies, beer gardens and courtyards.  Smoking bans have had an affect on hotel business when introduced elsewhere.  But Victorian hotels have had time to prepare for the new bans next year, he said.

- heraldsun.com.au