South Australia is cracking down on smoking and vaping with stringent new laws set for 2024.
Starting March 1 smokers and vapers can face on-the-spot fines of $105 and prosecution penalties of $750 if caught in a range of newly prohibited outdoor public spaces.
These restrictions include areas near beach jetties, schools, shopping centre entrances, and more. The move aligns with national vaping reforms, which begin with a ban on importing disposable vapes from January 1 2024.
“With new smoking and vaping restrictions coming in, there’s never been a better time to make a New Year’s resolution to quit this week,” Minister for Health & Wellbeing Chris Picton says.
“Smoking is our biggest preventable killer and cause of disease and the rise of vaping among young people is really concerning.”
To support these changes, an advertising campaign will commence on January 28, educating the community about the bans through social media, radio, billboards, buses, and shopping centres.
“The feedback from our consultation reflects the growing concern in the community about the health impacts of both smoking and passive smoking,” Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier says.
“These new measures support a smoke-free South Australia and role model best behaviour for the next generation.”
These measures come under the South Australian Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products Act 1997, following extensive consultation and aim to protect the public from passive smoke and vape inhalation.
While some places already have individual site policies limiting smoking, these new laws enforce these bans and cover vaping as well. Consultation has also taken place to outlaw cigarette vending machines and increase penalties for selling tobacco and vape products to minors. The government proposes doubling penalties, raising fines from $1,200 to $2,400 and maximum prosecution penalties from $20,000 to $40,000 for businesses and $5,000 to $10,000 for individuals.
These reforms are in line with new Federal Government vaping controls, beginning on January 1, 2024, starting with the prohibition of importing disposable vapes, regardless of nicotine content.
Information on quitting smoking can be found on the website besmokefree.com.au or by calling the Quitline on 13 78 48.
Further information and resources are available on the SA Health website.
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