SOME of the most rigid and far-reaching anti-smoking laws in Queensland come into effect on September 1 adding to an already lengthy list of restrictions.

And although Douglas Shire Council has no plans, local governments may ban smoking at any other outdoor public place not already covered by state laws.

According to a Queensland Government website, laws in Queensland include smoking bans for indoor and outdoor public places, as well as tough restrictions on the retail advertising, display and promotion of tobacco products.

These laws create a culture that:

• reduces exposure to second-hand smoke

• supports smokers trying to quit

• discourages children from taking up the habit.

“Research shows that young people are much less likely to take up smoking if their schools, homes and recreation areas are no-smoking areas.

“Efforts to help adults to quit smoking and reducing exposure to smoking in public places also send a positive message to young people about not smoking,” the website says.

Some of the current smoking laws include:

• no-smoking within 4 metres of non-residential building entrances

• no-smoking at public and private hospitals and health facilities, and for 5 metres beyond their boundaries

• no-smoking in cars where children under the age of 16 years are present

• no-smoking at state and non-state schools, and for 5 metres beyond their boundaries

Although most smokers are not happy with the current and future laws, the Douglas Chamber of Commerce has not received any adverse comments or complaints.

One smoker, who preferred to remain anonymous, said he is appalled by the restrictions. “Cigarettes are a legal product. Why are we being treated like pariahs of society? It’s unfair.”  

The following comes into effect on September 1: 

• no-smoking at or near under-age organised sporting events and skate parks

• no-smoking in and around approved early childhood education and care facilities, including kindergartens and places offering after school hour care

• no-smoking at public swimming pools

• no-smoking at outdoor pedestrian malls

• no-smoking at public transport waiting points such as bus stops, taxi ranks and ferry wharves

• no-smoking at prescribed national parks or parts of parks

• no-smoking at prescribed State Government precincts

• the no-smoking area at non-residential building entrances increases from 4 to 5 metres

• no sales of tobacco products from temporary retail outlets

• local governments may ban smoking at any other outdoor public place not already covered by state laws.

To find out more about the tobacco laws in Queensland, go www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/atods/smoking/laws

To quit smoking, call Quitline 13 78 48