What you need to know
- Commercial outdoor dining areas in NSW are smoke-free.
- Smoking is banned within 4 metres of a pedestrian entry or exit from a hospitality venue (the ‘4 metre law’).
The bans apply to any ignited smoking product including cigarettes, pipes and water-pipes.
Penalties
Penalties for non-compliance may apply:
- on the spot fines of $300 for individuals
- up to $5,500 for business owners.
The Campaign
NSW Health undertook a
public notice campaign to increase community awareness and understanding of new outdoor smoking bans under the
Smoke-free Environment Act 2000. The campaign included advertising through various channels between May and July 2015.
The objectives of the campaign
- Increase awareness of smoking bans at hospitality venues.
Achieve high compliance with the smoking bans.
Decrease exposure to second-hand smoke for people who attend and eat at licensed premises, cafés and restaurants.
Target audience
- Adults aged 18+ in New South Wales (with a focus on patrons of dining venues)
- Members of the hospitality industry.
NSW research shows strong community support for smoking bans in commercial outdoor dining areas and at entrances to public buildings by both smokers and non-smokers. NSW Health had been worked closely with the hospitality industry and other key stakeholders to prepare for the new bans.
