Melbourne 'Clears The Air' With Bourke Street Mall Smoking Ban
Bourke Street Mall is 'butts out' from tomorrow as City Of Melbourne's newest smoke-free zone.
As of 4 October 2019, it will be illegal to smoke in open-air spaces and outdoor dining areas on Bourke Street - between Elizabeth Street and Russell Place, including Bourke Street Mall.
The new Bourke Street zone will become the 11th smoke-free zone in the city.
Anyone caught smoking within the designated zone will be slapped with a $100 fine.
People found littering cigarette butts anywhere in the city already face a $330 fine, or a $660 fine if the cigarette is lit.
In a statement, Lord Mayor Sally Capp said "there is no safe level of exposure to smoking. That's why we're clearing the air for the 60,000 visitors, residents and workers who enjoy the shopping and fantastic atmosphere of Bourke Street Mall every day."
READ MORE: Here Are The Final Few Places You Can Legally Smoke In Australia
READ MORE: Should Cigarettes Themselves Carry Health Warnings?
The decision to go smoke-free in Bourke Street was made following a community consultation which found 82 percent of community members and 75 percent of businesses supported the plan.
The City Of Melbourne is also engaging the community on additional proposed smoke-free areas throughout the city.