Coming into effect Friday 1 September are new Queensland laws that strengthen controls on smoking and vaping.
The new laws improve oversight of smoking product supply and increase smoke-free public places.
On Friday, the following will change:
- New smoke-free buffers apply at outdoor eating and drinking places. Smoking is already prohibited at outdoor eating and drinking places. The new laws extend the smoke-free area to a 5-metre buffer around the boundary of outdoor eating and drinking places. The smoke-free requirements at and around outdoor eating and drinking places apply while the on-site food service is open, and food or drink is available for purchase and consumption.
- Outdoor markets will become smoke-free places. Smoking is prohibited throughout outdoor market areas and within a 5-metre smoke-free buffer zone at clearly defined market entrances and exits. The smoke-free requirements at outdoor markets apply while the market is in operation, including set-up and pack down of the market.
- All school carparks are required to be smoke-free. Smoking is already prohibited at public and private school facilities and in a 5-metre buffer zone extending from the boundary of the school. The new law extends the smoke-free protection to include all carparks provided for school communities. This includes carparks located on council land that are intended for school community use.
- Under 18 organised outdoor recreational events must be smoke-free. Smoking is already prohibited on land within 10-metres of activity, viewing, and playing areas for organised under-18 sporting events. The new laws extend the smoking prohibition to organised children’s recreational activities.
We encourage Chamber members and the broader Whitsunday community to remain proactive and well-informed about these new laws.
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