Updated 3rd May 2006
Legislation for smokefree public places was accepted in the House of Assembly and was unanimously approved by the Senate in December 2005. The legislation, which prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places, came into force on the 1st April 2006, although there will be a six month grace period when no prosecutions will be made.
The environmental health department is responsible for enforcing the law. Employers caught breaking the law for the first time face a fine of $250 and repeat offenders face a fine of $1000. Fines of $1000 can also be issued for failing to display no-smoking signage.The Health Minister has the power to grant exemptions.
The legislation also ends the sale of cigarettes from vending machines, ends tobacco advertising at sporting events and makes it illegal for cigarettes to be sold to anyone under the age of 18.
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