South Australia brings in outdoor smoking bans
South Australia’s new laws banning smoking from all alfresco dining venues starts today.
The news laws prohibit smoking in outdoor dining areas whenever there is food available.
The rules apply to restaurants, pubs, clubs, cafes and fast food outlets.
Under the law, smoking areas will need to be separate from the allotted dining areas. That means a two metre wall has to be installed to divide the two areas of smoking and non-smoking if venues wish to continue allowing diners to smoke.
Outdoor dining areas where food is served will from now on will require display signs warning patrons that smoking is not permitted.
People can still smoke in beer gardens where pre-packed food is served.
The law applies to everyone. Anyone caught smoking in outside areas will be given a $200 fine. Businesses will be fined $1250.
The ban applies to cigarettes, cigars and pipes including shisha, hookah and water pipes
The Cancer Council SA says the new law protects workers and diners.
Australian Hotels Association chief executive Ian Horne said there had been a two year lead up to the changes for venues across the state.
"I think there is an acceptation ... that this is a progression," Mr Horne told the ABC.
"I guess the bottom line is governments are reluctant to ban smoking, so there are always going to be smokers and of course a percentage of those are customers of hotels, clubs and cafes.
"I think we recognise that there is an acceptation in the community, particularly with food that we should be saved from having to inhale someone else's smoke."
Indeed, some venues had even decided to go completely smoke free.
"For some venues they can make a choice if they believe it will have an impact on them then they will have to make a choice and say 'Well, we simply won't provide food in this outdoor area'," he said.
by Leon Gettler, July 1st 2016
