A proposal to make the QV Melbourne shopping precinct smoke free is currently being considered by the City of Melbourne, Victoria.
If the initiative receives the greenlight, it would make the site the city's largest smoke-free zone to date.
According to Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, the move would be of great benefit to the many people who frequent the precinct each day.
QV Melbourne covers a large area that extends from Lonsdale Street and Little Lonsdale Street to Russell and Swanston streets.
An open central square and a number of pedestrian laneways link the diverse array of residential apartments, a gym, supermarket, large corporate businesses, restaurants, cafes, and shops that are based in the precinct.
Due to the diversity of establishments, Mayor Doyle said non-smokers and smokers regularly crossed paths, increasing the risk of people being affected by passive smoking.
He said the council's consultation process would involve meetings with commercial proprietors and surveys among visitors and shoppers.
The Lord Mayor invited people to take part in the online consultation before it closes on June 18th to help the council determine if a permanent smoking ban would be appropriate at QV Melbourne, which is a popular landmark often photographed for use by brochure printers.
The City of Melbourne current has smoke-free areas in around 40 locations including childcare centres and children's playgrounds.
