Smoke-free zones
Smoke-free zones are in place at various locations in our municipality.
The zones are in place to improve the health of our community and raise awareness of negative health outcomes associated with smoking.
Outdoor areas
Smoking and using e-cigarettes are banned from these outdoor public areas:
- within 10 metres of children’s play equipment in outdoor public places
- public swimming pools
- spectator areas at sports grounds or other recreational areas used for organised sporting events
- public transport stops and platforms, including ferry wharves and taxi ranks
- within 4 metres of a pedestrian access point to a public building
- commercial outdoor dining areas.
Eating and dining areas
- An area in which seating is provided and in which food that has been purchased and served on plates or packaged for immediate consumption is consumed (while food is being consumed or is available for purchase and consumption there).
- Within 4 metres of a seated dining area on licensed premises/ restaurant.
- Within 10 metres of where food is sold or supplied for consumption at a food fair.
Enclosed public areas
Smoking and using e-cigarettes are banned in all enclosed public areas including:
- shopping centres
- cinemas
- libraries
- trains
- buses.
Regulation and enforcement
NSW Health is responsible for administering and enforcing the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000.
NSW Health Inspectors are authorised to enforce the ban.
Penalties of up to $550 apply to individuals who smoke in spectator areas at public sportsgrounds or other recreational areas during organised sporting events.
Kiama Council introduced smoke bans at:
- sporting grounds
- playgrounds
- rock pools
- alfresco areas in the Town Centre.
Smoke bans can continue to be enforced by Council Rangers.
Smoke bans are a provision of the Local Government Act 1993 and many NSW Councils have enforced them.