AAP
January 07, 2013
SMOKERS can no longer light up at many outdoor locations like public pools and transport stops, with new anti-smoking laws in NSW coming into effect.
The state government said on Monday that smoking was now outlawed at locations such as children’s playgrounds, public transport stations, sporting fields, public pools and entrances to NSW public buildings.
Cancer Council NSW’s manager for policy and advocacy, Anita Tang, said the reforms would help to protect people from second-hand smoke.
“These new measures will protect children, parents and the whole community from toxic second-hand smoke,” Ms Tang said in a statement.
“The new laws will be a help in reducing community exposure to second-hand smoke and reducing the likelihood of future generations taking up smoking.”
She said smoking was one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in Australia, with more than 15,000 Australians dying from tobacco-related illnesses each year.
Australian Medical Association (NSW) president Professor Brian Owler said second-hand smoke was no less toxic for people than the smoke inhaled by smokers themselves.
“Widening the types of area covered by smoke-free legislation in NSW is a win for everyone,” he said in a statement.
“It will keep second-hand smoke out of the lungs of non-smokers and will add extra incentive for smokers to quit.”
Come January 2015, Prof Owler said the laws would also cover outdoor dining areas at restaurants and cafes.
“I hope that restaurant and cafe owners start working on making the switch to smoke-free,” he added.
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