Smokers will risk copping a $147 on-the-spot fine if they light up close to hospitals, health services, schools, childcare centres, kindergartens and government buildings including courts and police stations from April 13.

According to a state government media release this week the bans apply “on the grounds of and within four metres of an entrance”, but there seems to be differing interpretations on what an entrance is.

A Standard survey showed schools and Warrnambool base hospital considered the ban meant smokers would have to stay four metres from the property boundary.

However, at the courthouse there is a view the bans would apply four metres from the main entrance doors which are about 10 metres off the street. That effectively means visitors would walk down the entrance pathway through clouds of cigarette smoke.

A state government spokeswoman said the bans effectively applied from the boundary of the property — either a fence or entrance.

She said the intent was to discourage smoking and reduce cigarette litter.

“It’s commonsense and about expecting Victorians to do the right thing,” she said.

The government brought forward the starting date from June 30 to coincide with the start of school second term and is in addition to existing smoking bans that apply to train stations, patrolled beaches and within 10 metres of playgrounds, skate parks, sports venues during junior events and at public swimming pools.

Warrnambool City Council has an added layer discouraging smoking from all sporting grounds 24/7.

According to Warrnambool Primary School principal Peter Auchettl the government move was “fantastic”.

“We’ve already got a smoking ban on the property, now it will be within four metres,” he said.

“You don’t want to have parents waiting out the front smoking.”

Warrnambool Base Hospital chief executive John Krygger said it was sensible legislation.

“We interpret the rule to be four metres from buildings, not just the entrance,” he said.

“We’ve been smoke-free for over a decade — now the government’s new advertising campaign will reinforce the message.”

The hospital’s existing smoking areas are on the footpath.

New signs, posters, brochures are available from the government which has started an extensive advertising campaign.

Local council bylaws officers will have the responsibility of enforcing the regulations, but are unlikely to heavy-handed.

“We don’t envisage employing additional local laws officers as a result of the state government-introduced laws, which have applied to Warrnambool City Council buildings for a year now,” city council communications manager Nick Higgins said. “The approach to smoking bans has been one of encouragement and awareness-raising. 

“The experience with the bans at sporting facilities is that, with a few exceptions, most smokers are willing to comply with the new rules once they are made aware of them.”