The Victorian government claims a campaign against cigarette butt litter outside pubs has almost halved the problem, following a smoking ban in licensed premises one year ago.
Research commissioned by Sustainability Victoria has found nearly 70 per cent of the 19 licensed venues surveyed now have an unenclosed smoking area for patrons, compared to 20 per cent before the ban.
The `Don't be a Tosser - Bin Your Butts' campaign which began last July included a butt bin rebate scheme for licensed venues .. and an on-the-street team distributing free ashtrays to smokers.
Victorian Environment Minister Gavin Jennings said the research had produced unexpected results.
"Campaign butt litter was expected to rise following the bans but, thanks to industry support, the campaign to reduce littering outside licensed venues has been a success," Mr Jennings said.
He said the research had revealed about seven out of 10 smokers were doing the right thing.
Australian Hotels Association spokesman Paddy O'Sullivan said venue operators had contributed to the outcome.
"Last year, many of our local venues went to great lengths to install more outside ashtrays and bins and to encourage their patrons bin their butts," Mr O'Sullivan said.
"We are encouraged that most smokers are doing the right thing by using butt litter bins to lessen the negative impact on the environment and the amenity of their local area."
The research surveyed 19 licensed venues across Victoria.
