Victoria has strict laws regarding the sale of tobacco and smoking in public places. Ararat Rural City Council and the State Government are responsible for enforcing these laws and issuing infringements where necessary.

Council’s Environmental Health Officer’s undertakes annual inspections of tobacco retailers, eating establishments, gaming venues, hotels or other licensed premises to ensure compliance under the Tobacco Act 1987.

Council is part of the Cigarette Sales to Minors program which is a Victorian Government initiative. A young person under the age of 18 years is regularly employed to attempt to purchase tobacco products from retailers in order to test compliance with tobacco laws. If you are aware that a retailer is selling tobacco products to people under the age of 18 years, please report this to the Environmental Health Officer.

Council aims to reduce harm from tobacco smoke by:





- enforcing smoke-free dining for all eating establishments
- regulating the display and advertising of tobacco products
- banning illegal tobacco products
- enforcing smoke-free workplaces, including licensed premises

Information regarding tobacco advertising, signage and the display of tobacco products can be found at the Tobacco Reforms website.

Changes to Commonwealth Tobacco Control Legislation

The Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023 commenced on 1 April 2025. This new Commonwealth legislation combines a number of existing tobacco laws and introduces current measures.

For more information for retailers, click here https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/changes-to-tobacco-products-in-2025-faqs-for-tobacco-retailers

📌 Public and Environmental Health (Ararat)
🏢 Ararat Rural City Council
📍 Ararat