Lexi Webster
Smoking in pubs in Australia has been heavily regulated over the past few decades, with varying rules in different states. In Western Australia, smoking has been banned in all indoor areas of pubs, bars, and clubs since 31 July 2006, while Queensland has implemented a similar ban on smoking in pubs, clubs, and restaurants. South Australia banned smoking in enclosed public places in 2007, and Tasmania was the first state to introduce a total indoor smoking ban in 2006. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) also played a pioneering role by prohibiting smoking in cafes and restaurants in 1995. While smoking outdoors in pubs is heavily regulated across Australia, designated smoking sections or zones are set up in pub gardens and parks to accommodate smokers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking ban in cafes and restaurants | 6 December 1995 |
| Smoking ban in enclosed public places | 1 December 2006 |
| Smoking ban in most outdoor eating areas | December 2010 |
| Smoking ban in prisons within the Australian Capital Territory | June 2023 |
| Ban on smoking in all government buildings, tour buses, taxis and flights to and from Norfolk Island | N/A |
| Ban on smoking in cars with children under 16 | 2 January 2010 |
| Ban on smoking in covered public transport waiting areas | April 2012 |
| Ban on smoking inside prison cells in South Australia | January 2015 |
| Ban on smoking in public outdoor dining areas in South Australia | July 2016 |
| Ban on smoking in all indoor areas of pubs, bars and clubs in Western Australia | 31 July 2006 |
| Ban on smoking in all pubs, clubs, restaurants and workplaces in Queensland | 1 July 2006 |
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What You'll Learn
Smoking in pubs banned in Western Australia in 2006
Smoking in enclosed public places has been banned in Australia since 1 December 2006. However, the laws regarding smoking in pubs vary from state to state.
In Western Australia, smoking in all indoor areas of pubs, bars, and clubs has been banned since 31 July 2006. The ban also applies to outdoor eating areas, such as restaurants, cafes, delis, lunch bars, and hotels. Additionally, smoking is prohibited within 10 meters of children's playground equipment and on patrolled swimming beaches. Liquor-licensed premises that are not subject to a restaurant license may designate up to 50% of their outdoor areas as smoking zones.
Other states in Australia have also implemented smoking bans in pubs and enclosed public spaces, albeit with different timelines. For example, Queensland banned smoking in all pubs, clubs, restaurants, and workplaces, as well as in commercial outdoor eating and drinking areas, starting in July 2006. South Australia banned smoking in enclosed public places in November 2007, and Tasmania was the first state to introduce a total indoor smoking ban in January 2006.
The Northern Territory is the only jurisdiction in Australia that still allows smoking in fully enclosed licensed venues.
The varying laws in Australia reflect the country's efforts to protect public health, particularly regarding passive smoking, and to promote a smoke-free environment in outdoor spaces.
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Queensland bans smoking in pubs, clubs, restaurants
Smoking has been banned in Australia in various forms and at various times. Queensland has been at the forefront of implementing strict laws to curb smoking in public spaces. Since 1 July 2006, Queensland has banned smoking in all pubs, clubs, restaurants, and workplaces, as well as in commercial outdoor eating and drinking areas and outdoor public places. This includes areas such as patrolled beaches, children's playgrounds, major sports stadiums, and within a certain distance of non-residential building entrances.
The Queensland Government's efforts to restrict smoking in public spaces have been comprehensive. The ban extends to premises with a hotel, club, or casino liquor license, where up to 50% of the outdoor licensed area can be designated as a smoking and drinking zone. However, no food or drink can be served or consumed in these areas, and there are restrictions on entertainment and gaming machines.
To ensure compliance, licensees must display "No Smoking" signs that meet specific requirements and are easily visible at each public entrance. They must also prepare and maintain a Smoking Management Plan for the entire premises, outlining the designated smoking areas and any necessary precautions.
Queensland's smoking ban in pubs, clubs, and restaurants is part of a broader movement in Australia to reduce the health risks associated with secondhand smoke and promote a healthier lifestyle for its citizens. The state has implemented strict requirements regarding the supply, sale, and promotion of smoking-related products, including restrictions on sales to those under 18 and mandatory training for employees who sell these products.
The impact of Queensland's smoking ban has been significant, with reports indicating a decline in smoking rates across Australia over the past 25 years. The state's efforts have not been limited to pubs, clubs, and restaurants, as it also banned smoking in correctional facilities in 2014, becoming the second state to do so. Overall, Queensland's comprehensive approach to curbing smoking in public spaces, including hospitality venues, has played a pivotal role in Australia's overall decline in smoking prevalence.
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South Australia bans smoking in enclosed public places in 2007
Smoking has been heavily regulated in Australia for several decades, with sustained efforts from the government and public health organisations to reduce smoking rates. In 1973, health warnings were first mandated on all cigarette packs, and in 1976, advertising of cigarettes on radio and television was banned.
In 2006, Tasmania became the first Australian state to introduce a total indoor smoking ban. This was followed by Western Australia in 2006, which banned smoking in all indoor areas of pubs, bars, and clubs. On 1 November 2007, South Australia joined the growing list of states banning smoking in enclosed public places. The SA Tobacco Products Regulation Act 1997 defined "enclosed" as fully enclosed or partially covered by a ceiling and walls, such that the total ceiling and wall surfaces exceeded 70% of the total notional ceiling and wall area.
Since then, South Australia has continued to strengthen its smoking regulations, banning smoking inside prison cells in 2015, in public outdoor dining areas in 2016, and in all prisons by the end of 2019.
Today, smoking in pubs across Australia is heavily regulated, with designated smoking sections or zones in pub gardens and parks to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke. These regulations have contributed to a significant decline in smoking rates over the past 25 years, with Australia serving as a potential model for other countries aiming to reduce tobacco use.
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Designated outdoor smoking areas (DOSAs)
Australia has implemented a series of smoking bans in pubs and other public spaces over the last two decades. While the rules vary across states, smoking is heavily regulated in outdoor pub spaces. Designated outdoor smoking areas (DOSAs) are permitted in some licensed premises, typically those with a liquor licence.
DOSAs are subject to strict requirements and regulations. They must comply with the Smoke-free Act and the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998, which includes establishing a buffer zone to prevent smoke from entering smoke-free areas. The buffer can be a designated space, object, or structure, such as a wall or screen, and must be at least 2 metres wide, with an additional 2-metre area where customers cannot eat, drink, or smoke. The total outdoor smoking area cannot exceed 50% of the total licensed outdoor space.
To ensure compliance, licensed premises must display prominent signage indicating the designated smoking area and outlining the smoking laws, such as the prohibition of food and entertainment in the DOSA. A smoking management plan must also be made available for inspection at any time, and the designated area must be included in the licence.
The eligibility of a business to operate a DOSA depends on factors such as the nature of the business, the intended use of the outdoor space, and the setup of the space. For example, a pub or tavern whose primary business activity is serving alcohol may be permitted to establish a DOSA, whereas a licensed restaurant or cafe whose main purpose is not liquor sales would not be allowed to have one.
While some patrons appreciate the social interactions and atmosphere of designated smoking areas, others find them isolated and uninviting. Nonetheless, Australia's comprehensive approach to regulating smoking in pubs and other public spaces has contributed to a significant decline in smoking over the years and could serve as a model for other countries seeking to implement similar measures.
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Australia's low smoking rate due to public policy
Australia's low smoking rate is the result of sustained public policy efforts and action from public health organisations. The country has implemented various measures over the years to reduce tobacco consumption and protect citizens from secondhand smoke.
One of the earliest measures was the introduction of health warnings on cigarette packs, mandated in 1973. This was followed by bans on cigarette advertising on radio and television in 1976, and in newspapers and magazines in 1990. The Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act of 1992 further prohibited the broadcasting and publication of tobacco advertisements. From 1986 to 2006, there was a phased ban on smoking in workplaces and public places, with bans in restaurants phased in from 1994 to 2003. In 2006, graphic health warnings were required on most tobacco product packaging.
In addition to these measures, smoking has been banned in various outdoor spaces, including pub gardens, parks, beaches, and playgrounds. These bans aim to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke, prevent littering, and promote clean and safe outdoor spaces. The rules vary from state to state, but designated smoking sections or zones are set up to separate smokers from non-smokers. For example, in Sydney, smoking is banned within 10 metres of playgrounds and outside commercial outdoor dining areas.
The state of Queensland has implemented comprehensive smoking bans in pubs, clubs, restaurants, commercial outdoor eating and drinking areas, and other outdoor public places. Western Australia has also banned smoking in all indoor areas of pubs, bars, and clubs since 2006, and South Australia followed suit in 2007. The Australian Capital Territory banned smoking in cafes and restaurants in 1995 and has since extended the ban to most outdoor eating areas.
The combination of these public policy measures has led to a significant decline in smoking rates over the past 25 years, with Australia becoming a model for other countries looking to reduce tobacco consumption and its associated health risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Smoking in pubs in Australia is heavily regulated and varies from state to state, but it is not completely banned. Designated smoking sections or zones are set up to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke.
Australia started regulating smoking in workplaces and public places in a phased manner from 1986 to 2006.
Queensland banned smoking in all pubs, clubs, and restaurants from 1 July 2006. Western Australia banned smoking in all indoor areas of pubs, bars, and clubs on 31 July 2006. South Australia banned smoking in enclosed public places from 1 November 2007.
Yes, certain restrictions on smoking in enclosed areas of restaurants, licensed clubs, and pubs came into force in the Northern Territory on 2 January 2010. Areas such as pubs, clubs, and restaurants can have up to 50% of their premises as smoking rooms/areas.
The primary reason for Australia's smoking ban in pubs is to protect the health of people who work there and other non-smoking patrons. It is also about preventing litter, keeping outdoor spaces safe, and role-modelling.
