Tobacco Reforms - Facts about the law

Recent legislative changes to the Tobacco Act 1987 introduce new provisions on cigarette sales to minors, advertising and smoke free dining. A staggered implementation phase ranges from 1 November 2000 to 1 January 2002.

Some statistics

Smoking related disease is the single most preventative cause of death and disease in Australia. 80% of smokers start smoking before the age of 18. The younger someone starts smoking the more likely they are to become heavier, more addicted smokers and to suffer smoking related disease. Teenage smoking rates are increasing. In 1996 46% of current smokers aged 12-17 had purchased their last cigarette themselves, most commonly from milk bars. If we can prevent children from buying cigarettes this will help prevent them becoming regular smokers. In the City of Yarra (using 1993 - 1996 statistics from the Anti Cancer Council of Victoria), out of every 1000 deaths - 146 will be due to smoking 39 will be due to alcohol 7 will be road deaths 19 will be due to other drugs

Action Taken

The Tobacco Act aims to reduce the prevalence of smoking by encouraging people to cease smoking and by discouraging people taking up smoking, particularly young people.

From 1 st November 2000

• There are increased penalties for proprietors and staff who sell tobacco to people under 18 years of age (minors)
• It is an offence to be in possession of illegal tobacco or "chop chop".
• Designated shopping centres are to be smoke free.

From 1 st July 2001

• Point of sale advertising will be restricted (no tobacco advertising is permitted visible from a public place)
• Displays of tobacco products will be limited (ie. one display point per premises, only one packet per brand will be able to face the display - no cartons)
• Warning signs will be required in retail outlets (ie. prescribed health warning)
• Smoke free dining will be required within premises where the predominant activity in that area is the consumption of food or non alcoholic drinks.

From 1 st October 2001

• No 'cheap smokes / discount cigarettes' advertising signs are allowed outside premises
• No mobile cigarette sales are allowed
• No sales of single cigarettes are allowed
• 'No tobacco sales to minors' sign must be displayed

From 1 st January 2002
Numerous restrictions on tobacco advertising come into effect, including:

• No promotional advertising will be allowed within the outlet
• Cigarette cartons are not to be displayed
• Maximum display size for tobacco products will be 4 metres square
• Only 1 tobacco display point is allowed per premise
• Only 1 display of each product line is permitted

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Further information

Public Health
C/O Richmond Town Hall
333 Bridge Road
Richmond 3121
Telephone 9205 5166
Email info@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Links

Within this site
Tobacco reforms Smoke-free dining

External sites (Yarra City Council accepts no responsibility for the information or opinions contained within external sites)
Tobaccoreforms.vic.gov.au

Information supplied by: Electronic communications & design officer - 9205 5214

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