Smokers are in for tougher restrictions as smoking is soon to be banned in bus, tram and train shelters, at taxi stands and near playgrounds in South Australia. These new laws will also allow local councils and other bodies to have events declared smoke-free while cigarettes will no longer go on display in shops or service stations from January next year. Specialist tobacconists will have until 2015 to adjust to the new measures.
According to Health Minister John Hill removing all tobacco products from display would remove a strong inducement for young people to take up smoking and would help ex-smokers stay on course. He said these measures would hit the hospitality industry next when smoking is banned in all outdoor eating and drinking areas. “States and territories across Australia are moving inexorably towards smoke-free outdoor eating and drinking areas to protect the health and wellbeing of their staff and customers… Hotels and restaurants have already complied with the introduction in 2007 of smoking restrictions in all enclosed areas and many have provided outdoor areas for customers who want to smoke… However, our clear ambition is for 100 per cent smoke-free outdoor eating and drinking in South Australia, and we want to achieve that by 2016,” he explained.
Mr. Hill reminded that three South Australians died every day from tobacco-related illness and an estimated $2.39 billion was lost to SA’s economy each year in health costs and lost productivity related to smoking. “Every smoker who gives up and every young person who decides not to start is a life potentially saved and these measures will contribute to that important goal,” he said.
Menthol cigarette ban would likely lead to meaningful reduction in smoking rates