Smoking and vaping will be banned near beach jetties and patrol flags, schools, kids’ sporting events and shopping centre entrances.

These new legal restrictions will coincide with national reforms to limit vaping, starting with a ban on importing disposable vapes from today, 1 January 2024.

Minister for Health & Wellbeing Chris Picton says this makes it the perfect time for South Australians to make a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking or vaping.

“Smoking is our biggest preventable killer and cause of disease and the rise of vaping among young people is really concerning.

“We need to do more to stop the devastating effects, particularly on children.

“South Australians made it very clear during consultation that they were supportive of these new regulations.”

He is encouraging people to use resources through the Quitline - 13 78 48, or the Be Smoke Free website.  

From 1 March 2024, on-the-spot fines of $105 and prosecution penalties of $750 will be in place for people caught smoking or vaping in a range of new prohibited outdoor public spaces including:

• On beaches between and within 50 metres of patrol flags and within five metres of jetties.
• At and within 10 metres of schools and childcare settings.
• At and within 10 metres of non-residential building entrances, such as entrances to shopping centres, government and commercial buildings.
• At public hospitals and health facilities, private hospitals and within 10 metres of their boundaries.
• Within outdoor public swimming facilities.
• At major event venues declared under the Major Events Act 2013. 
• At and within 10 metres of playing and viewing areas during organised under-18 years sporting events.

The new zones significantly increase the number of outdoor places in SA where smoking and vaping is banned, which currently include outdoor dining areas, playgrounds and public transport shelters.

An advertising campaign will begin on 28 January, with ads running on social media, radio, billboards, buses and shopping centres.

The government is also proposing to double penalties for the sale or supply of tobacco and vape products to children.

This would increase fines from $1200 to $2400 and would raise the maximum prosecution penalty for a first offence from $20,000 to $40,000 for a business and $5000 to $10,000 for an individual.

Surf Life Saving SA CEO Damien Marangon says Surf Life Saving SA strongly supports the  ban on smoking and vaping within 50 meters of the patrol flags on beaches and within five metres of jetties. 

“We prioritise the health and safety of our volunteer lifesavers and the general public recreating at the beach in and around the flags. 

“We do however wish to remind everyone that the safest place to swim is between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled location.

“This is where our lifesavers can see you, and where they can save you.”