Melbourne considering smoking ban in outdoor dining areas

Smoking could be banned in Melbourne's outdoor dining areas.

Melbourne City Council says it will discuss the move, with Victoria the only state that doesn't have the ban in place.

"We're used to leading, not following," Lord Mayor Robert Doyle told the Herald Sun on Sunday.

"Given that we know this is the direction we're heading, it's now time to have this discussion."

Mr Doyle said the topic would likely trigger serious debate.