Smoking ban to be backed up with new by-law

The Baw Baw Shire Council, in Victoria's east, has voted to create a local law banning smoking in public areas.

The shire put a trial ban in place 12 months ago, prohibiting smoking in alfresco dining areas, playgrounds and the Warragul CBD.

Mayor Dianne Blackwood says supporting the ban with a local law will make it enforceable.

She says support for the trial and ongoing smoke-free outdoor areas has been overwhelming.

"In one case we've had an endorsement that even if we decided not to continue with the smoking bans in the alfresco area, that particular restaurant would actually keep their alfresco area smoke-free because they realised the success of that for their business," she said.

Source: ABC News, 23 August 2012