Tobacco
In Australia smoking is the largest contributor to preventable death and is known to increase the risk of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and many other illnesses.
Tobacco reforms have been implemented in Victoria as part of the Tobacco Act 1987.
Mount Alexander Shire Council carries out regular compliance checks to ensure businesses selling tobacco are meeting their responsibilities including:
- Plain packaging requirements
- Ban on displaying tobacco products
- Fines for the sale of cigarettes to minors
- Smoking bans within 10 metres of outdoor public children's playground equipment, skate parks, swimming pool grounds and sporting venues during organised underage sporting events
- Smoking bans on the grounds of and within 4 metres of entrances to childcare centres, kindergartens and schools
- Smoking bans within 4 metres of children's indoor play centres and certain Victorian government buildings
- Smoking restrictions in licensed premises and outdoor dining and drinking areas
- Smoke free workplaces
To report businesses that breach tobacco retailing laws, contact the our Environmental Health team to report it online or call (03) 5471 1700.