Smoking banned at Vic schools, hospitals

The days of smokers guiltily puffing on cigarettes outside Victorian schools, hospitals or police stations are numbered.

From April 13 lighting up within four metres of the entrance to Victorian government institutions could cost smokers $147.

The government planned to introduce the ban on June 30, but has brought it forward to coincide with the start of school term two.

Smoking will also be banned at childcare centres, kindergartens, preschools, courts and state parliament.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said it would reduce smoking at important public buildings.

"Hospitals are where we go to heal. We want to ensure patients and their visitors aren't subjected to secondhand smoke," she told reporters on Monday.

People caught smoking risk on the spot fines of $147, with the maximum penalty up to $738.