An Australian city is considering further restrictions on the use of vapes in existing smoking areas in response to a soaring trend in the use of vapes. At the same time, states and territories have different laws and regulations regarding smoking and vaping use in public places, and offenders in some regions will face heavy fines.
The Townsville Bulletin, Australia, reported on January 12 that the City of Vincent will ban smoking in five city centres by the end of 2022. Now, the city council is considering further restrictions because vapes are more popular than tobacco.
The mayor of the city of Vincent, Alison Xamon, has said the use of vapes is growing in popularity compared to tobacco, and the city council will consider opening a new smoke-free area in the next public health plan.
Harmon said following a community consultation, the measures would carry a $100 fine. Smokers will face an additional $200 fine if they refuse to put out their cigarette butts in front of staff.
According to the Australian Alcohol and Drug Foundation, 5 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds used vapes in 2019. By 2022-23, that figure will soar to 21 per cent, while the share of those under 14 will rise from 2.5 per cent to 7 per cent during that time. Almost one in 10 18 – to 24-year-olds in Australia said they would use vapes daily between 2022 and 2023.
Across states and territories in Australia, a range of laws and regulations cover smoking and vaping use in public places. South Australia’s new law, which comes into effect in 2024, bans smoking and vape use in public places, with on-the-spot fines of up to $105.
If charged, the alleged offender will be fined $750. In Victoria, non-smoking areas include entrances within 4 metres and outdoor recreation areas within 10 metres. New South Wales (NSW) laws prohibit smoking and vaping use in all indoor public places and many outdoor places.
In Western Australia, the City of Freemantle opened a smoke-free area “for the first time on the cappuccino strip” in 2008, becoming the first local government area in the state to do so.
