The state government is reviewing the Tobacco Act 1987, and is debating the Tobacco Amendment Bill 2016 introduced into parliament in May.

If the bill passes, electronic cigarettes – including ones with and without nicotine – would be regulated in the same way as tobacco and banned anywhere smoking is prohibited.

​The proposed changes would also mean e-cigarettes could not be displayed at retail outlets, or sold to people under 18.

New legislation would take effect in August next year if the bill passes.

The government has consulted the Municipal Association of Victoria and councils about proposed changes.

Horsham Rural City Council community services director Kevin O'Brien said the association believed e-cigarettes needed regulation in much the same way as tobacco products.

He presented a report to council about the review last week. 

He said council supported the association’s position, and would take an enforcement role if the proposed legislation changes were introduced.

“There's a process we'd work with our environmental health team on, as changes would increase council's regulatory role in that area,” he said. 

“But we still need to wait and see if the legislation goes through or not.”

The issue drew mixed responses on the Mail-Times Facebook page.

Josh Coller said it was about time smoking bans were extended to e-cigarettes. “People who have never smoked in their life have taken this stupid fad up,” he said. Shinae Marni agreed.

“They are just as bad as smoking. You are inhaling a substance that ins’t supposed to be in your lungs,” she said. 

However others felt regulating tobacco and e-cigarettes in the same way was unwarranted. 

“Next you won't be able to smoke in your own home,” Jenny Trye wrote.