Smoking and Vaping Bans Proposed in South Australia to Protect Children

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Apr 13, 2023 • 3 min read

The South Australian government is proposing new laws that would ban smoking and vaping in more outdoor public spaces to protect children from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and e-cigarette vapors. The new laws would extend smoking and vaping bans to areas near schools, shopping centers, beaches, buildings, and sporting grounds. This article will discuss the proposed smoking and vaping bans, the fines for violating the bans, and the government's rationale for the new laws.

Proposed Smoking and Vaping Bans

The proposed smoking and vaping bans would prohibit smoking and vaping within 10 meters of a school or child care center and within 5 meters of a shopping center, government building, or commercial building entrance. Bans would also apply outside hospitals and aged care facilities. In addition, smoking and vaping would be prohibited at outdoor public swimming pools, near organized children's sporting events, and at beaches.

Smoking has already been banned in outdoor dining areas, playgrounds, and public transport shelters. However, some sites already banned smoking in these areas, but the bans were not enforceable by law and often did not cover vaping. The new laws would make the bans enforceable by law and would cover vaping.

Fines for Violating the Bans

On-the-spot fines for providing children with tobacco would increase from $1,200 to $2,400, while the maximum court fine would increase from $5,000 to $10,000 for a first offense. Maximum court fines for businesses would increase from $20,000 to $40,000. The government believes that increasing fines for selling or supplying tobacco to minors would send a clear message that selling cigarettes and vapes to young people is absolutely prohibited.

Rationale for the New Laws

Health Minister Chris Picton said the proposed measures were aimed at curbing vaping among young people and reducing the chance of inhaling a "plume" of second-hand smoke. He said e-cigarette usage in people aged 15 to 29 had increased from 1.1% in 2017 to 7.8% in 2022. Mr. Picton believes that outlawing cigarette vending machines would reduce avenues for minors to purchase cigarettes and send a clear message to stop selling vape products to kids.

Conclusion

The South Australian government is proposing new laws to protect children from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and e-cigarette vapors. The proposed smoking and vaping bans would extend to more outdoor public spaces and increase fines for violating the bans. Health Minister Chris Picton believes that the new laws will curb vaping among young people and reduce the chance of inhaling second-hand smoke.

FAQs

1. What outdoor public spaces will be affected by the proposed smoking and vaping bans?

The bans will extend to areas near schools, shopping centers, beaches, buildings, and sporting grounds. Bans will also apply outside hospitals and aged care facilities.

2. Are fines for selling or supplying tobacco to minors increasing?

Yes, fines for providing children with tobacco would increase from $1,200 to $2,400, while the maximum court fine would increase from $5,000 to $10,000 for a first offense. Maximum court fines for businesses would increase from $20,000 to $40,000.

3. Why is the government proposing the new laws?

The government is proposing the new laws to protect children from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and e-cigarette vapors, curb vaping among young people, and reduce the chance of inhaling a "plume" of second-hand smoke.

4. Where are smoking and vaping already banned in South Australia?

5. What impact does the government hope the new laws will have?

The government hopes that the new laws will reduce the incidence of smoking and vaping among young people and reduce the risk of exposure to secondhand smoke and e-cigarette vapors. The government believes that increasing fines for selling or supplying tobacco to minors will send a clear message that selling cigarettes and vapes to young people is absolutely prohibited.