Mayor Paul Klisaris said the council still intended to ban smoking at clubs within five years. "It will be the next step. It's becoming the norm nowadays with smoking banned in pubs, restaurants and a tax increase on cigarettes."

No one has been fined for smoking in playgrounds since the local law was introduced.

"People normally police it themselves. If parents see someone smoking in the playground, they remind them it is a non-smoking area."

Last October, the council became the first state winner of the Heart Foundation's award for programs and policies that reduce exposure to tobacco.

The Journal asked Monash sports clubs if they would support a ban on smoking at their venues. Of the 20 clubs interviewed, 12 felt the ban could affect patronage.

Mulgrave Football Club president Gail Hewitt said about 25per cent of the crowd smoked and a ban could deter people from attending local football matches.

"It would also be too hard to police. It would require someone to walk around to check who is smoking."

However, Oakleigh Cannons Football Club general manager Aki Ionnas supported the ban.

"For me it's a health and safety issue. It would only require people to butt out for two to three hours and it would do good for the individuals and the health of the players."