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Smoking banned in Melbourne shopping strips

Posted February 9, 2010 09:08:00
Updated February 9, 2010 09:35:00

The council will fine smokers up to $110 if caught lighting up in designated non-smoking areas.

The council will fine smokers up to $110 if caught lighting up in designated non-smoking areas. (Reuters: Charles Platiau, file photo)

A Melbourne council is launching a new crackdown on cigarettes, banning smoking in three outdoor shopping strips.

Frankston City Council will fine smokers up to $110 if they are caught lighting up in the designated non-smoking areas.

The ban is the first of its kind in Victoria and will be enforced in two shopping malls and on the western side of Young Street during a six-month trial.

Frankston Mayor Christine Richards says the move is likely to upset smokers, but will make Frankston a better place to live.

"We're very aware of the ramifications for smokers," she said.

"It is accompanied by a community education campaign. And what we're trying to do is get people talking, young people as well, about the fact that smoking is and can be deadly."

Tags: government-and-politics, local-government, health, smoking, australia, vic, frankston-3199

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