MOTORCYCLING Victoria would like to remind clubs and members that smoking is banned within 10 metres (about two car lengths) of any public outdoor sporting venue during an organised under-18s event.
The ban includes training or practice sessions to prepare for an organised under-age sporting event, and breaks or intervals during the course of the event, training or practice session.
The ban also applies to outdoor dining and drinking areas located within 10 metres of an outdoor sporting venue during an organised under-age sporting event or training session.
Under-age sporting events attract a wide variety of patrons, including families with children and young people.
This ban creates a smoke-free environment where families can enjoy themselves without being exposed to harmful second-hand tobacco smoke. Second-hand smoke exposure is particularly dangerous for children and young people because they have smaller airways and less developed immune systems than adults.
Children and young people are also impressionable and are more likely to view smoking as socially acceptable when they regularly see people smoking in different settings. Banning smoking in areas frequented by children and young people will help to ‘de-normalise’ smoking behaviour and discourage them from taking up smoking.
To find out more about the non-smoking law which applies to all of Motorcycling Victoria’s junior events please visit: https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/tobacco-reform/smoke-free-areas/childrens-recreational-areas-smoke-free/underage-sporting-events-smoke-free