Smoke-free playgrounds
From 31 May 2012, smoking is banned within 10 metres of children’s public playground equipment.
What is the law?
A person must not smoke within 10 metres of children’s playground equipment located in a public area. This includes playgrounds at public parks, schools, sporting venues, restaurants, hotels and businesses.
The ban will help to prevent children thinking that smoking is normal.
Are skate parks, BMX tracks and outdoor exercise equipment included in the ban?
No, these areas are not considered children’s playground equipment and are not included in the ban.
Why is the smoke-free zone within 10 metres of playground equipment?
The 10 metre zone aligns with current smoking bans for children’s playground equipment in Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia.
Does the 10 metre zone cross into private residences?
No, private residential properties are excluded from this law.
Does the 10 metre zone cross fences and boundaries?
Yes, if the area beyond the fence or boundary is a public area.
What if there isn’t a sign?
Even where there are no signs, smoking is still prohibited. ‘No Smoking’ or ‘Smoking Prohibited’ signs may be erected or displayed in the vicinity of children’s playground equipment to indicate that smoking is not permitted within 10 metres of the playground equipment.
Who will enforce this law?
Authorised officers under the Tobacco Products Regulation Act 1997 will be responsible for enforcing this law.
What is the fine?
An expiation notice of $75 can be issued. The maximum fine is $200.
Support for smoke-free outdoor areas
Tobacco smoke in outdoor areas can produce symptoms of ill health and can aggravate many conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive airways diseases and cystic fibrosis.
Smoke-free areas, both indoor and outdoor, are designed to protect the health of children and people with pre-existing conditions. They also increase the comfort and enjoyment for all people using public spaces, especially spaces that may be crowded or where people congregate.
There is a high level of public support in South Australia to introduce outdoor smoking bans, with 96% of people supporting a ban for smoking around children’s playgrounds and 71% concerned about being exposed to someone else’s cigarette smoke.1
Most other States and Territories in Australia have introduced or announced their intention to introduce similar bans.
Support to quit smoking
For information and support to quit smoking, call the Quitline 13 7848, visit www.quitsa.org.au to register for text messaging support or talk to a GP or pharmacist.
For more information:
Health Protection Branch
Ph: 1300 363 703 (SA only) or 08 8226 7142
1 TCRE. Key smoking statistics for SA – 2010. Adelaide, Australia: Tobacco Control Research and Evaluation, Cancer Council SA, March 2011.
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