Anti-smoking laws in New South Wales are about to be ramped up, with all smoking in outdoor dining areas to be banned from July onwards. The ban is blanket and universal, covering pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants, and just about anywhere that serves food to patrons outdoors.
The ban extends to a four metre radius around seated dining areas, with a ten metre zone in place for food fair stalls. However, the laws do not prevent businesses from creating designated smoking areas within their outdoor facilities – meaning beer gardens might have to be sectioned off if outdoor dining and smoking are both to be accommodated.
Northern NSW LHD Health Promotion Manager Jillian Adams stated, “There is strong public support for making outdoor dining areas smoke-free and a number of businesses have already voluntarily banned smoking in their outdoor dining areas, with positive results.”
“Under the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000, smoking will be banned in seated outdoor dining areas while food is being served, with NSW Health Authorised Inspectors able to issue on the spot fines of $300 for individuals and penalties of up to $5500 for occupiers who ignore the ban.“
The ban also explicitly states that water pipes are not permitted, along with the usual range of tobacco products and “any other smoking device.” We’re not saying that means bongs, but… That means bongs, right?
A public advertising campaign informing people of the ban extension will begin in May.
via NSW Health.
