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Queensland gets tough on smoking
September 6, 2004
QUEENSLAND will introduce Australia's toughest smoking bans from next year, with restrictions at all patrolled beaches, children's playgrounds, sports stadiums and building entrances.
Further bans in pubs, clubs and outdoor eateries will be phased in over a two-year period, while strict new tobacco advertising bans will also be introduced.
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie and Health Minister Gordon Nuttall said the new policy, adopted unanimously by state cabinet today, would put Queensland at the top of the fight against smoking.
Details of the policy, including penalties and fines, will be finalised in the next four to six weeks, with legislation to be introduced into state parliament in time for the first phase of the bans to take effect from January 1, 2005.
Mr Beattie called on the community to work with the government in implementing the bans.
"Not everyone is going to be in love with this, but this is about saving lives," Mr Beattie said.
"Three thousand Queenslanders a year die as a result of smoking.
"If there is less smoking there are more Queenslanders and that is what we want.
"If it can be done in Ireland with their club scene, then it can be done in Australia."
From January 1, 2005, smoking will be banned on all patrolled beaches, within 10 metres of children's playgrounds and within four metres of all building entrances.
It will also be banned at all major events venues, including the Gabba, Suncorp Stadium, the Sleeman Sports Complex, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville.
From December 31, 2005, advertising of all tobacco products will be banned in retail outlets including tobacconists and duty-free stores, while stronger penalties for selling to underage children will be introduced.
September 6, 2004
QUEENSLAND will introduce Australia's toughest smoking bans from next year, with restrictions at all patrolled beaches, children's playgrounds, sports stadiums and building entrances.
Further bans in pubs, clubs and outdoor eateries will be phased in over a two-year period, while strict new tobacco advertising bans will also be introduced.
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie and Health Minister Gordon Nuttall said the new policy, adopted unanimously by state cabinet today, would put Queensland at the top of the fight against smoking.
Details of the policy, including penalties and fines, will be finalised in the next four to six weeks, with legislation to be introduced into state parliament in time for the first phase of the bans to take effect from January 1, 2005.
Mr Beattie called on the community to work with the government in implementing the bans.
"Not everyone is going to be in love with this, but this is about saving lives," Mr Beattie said.
"Three thousand Queenslanders a year die as a result of smoking.
"If there is less smoking there are more Queenslanders and that is what we want.
"If it can be done in Ireland with their club scene, then it can be done in Australia."
From January 1, 2005, smoking will be banned on all patrolled beaches, within 10 metres of children's playgrounds and within four metres of all building entrances.
It will also be banned at all major events venues, including the Gabba, Suncorp Stadium, the Sleeman Sports Complex, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville.
From December 31, 2005, advertising of all tobacco products will be banned in retail outlets including tobacconists and duty-free stores, while stronger penalties for selling to underage children will be introduced.