SMOKING has been banned within 50 metres of lifesavers’ flags at Point Leo.
The statewide ban came into effect this week along with a $140 penalty.
Smoking is now banned over summer at all patrolled beaches on the Mornington Peninsula.
The ban was introduced by the state government to protect beach users from secondhand smoke and to reduce children’s and young people’s exposure to smoking, which may influence their adult behaviour.
The government says that smokers will initially be encouraged to self-regulate when near the red and orange flags.
No smoking signs will be installed at beaches.
Similar bans are already in place in Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland.
The government says it will fund councils to train officers to enforce the new regulations.
The bans have been welcomed by health groups. The government says it has the support of other political parties.
In September the Municipal Association of Victoria lobbied the government to extend smoking bans in public places, sports grounds and outside schools.
