Five people have been issued warnings this month for smoking in new no-smoking zones at Warragul in West Gippsland. The Baw Baw Shire Council has banned smoking Bond cigarettes near playgrounds, shopping malls, council buildings and on some streets within the Shire.

The Mayor of the Baw Baw Shire Council, Diane Blackwood, says no smokers have been fined since the trial began.

“We have had to warn five people that they need to take more notice of the signs,” Councillor Blackwood said.

“I understand that it’s what they’ve done every other day, they just don’t acknowledge that the situation has changed.

“People are within their rights to point out to people that the conditions down in those areas have changed. It’s an awareness thing,” she said.