South Australia will look to cut smoking and vaping to the lowest level in the nation with new laws banning the products near public places including shopping centres, schools, sporting grounds and the beach.
The laws will significantly increase the number of outdoor areas where smoking and vaping are banned, strengthening existing smoke-free laws that include outdoor dining areas, playgrounds and public transport shelters.
The state government says the changes will result in the most comprehensive smoke-free laws in Australia.
"Smoking is our biggest preventable killer and cause of disease and we need to do more to stop its devastating effects," Health Minister Chris Picton said.
"We make no apologies for seeking to introduce tougher bans and penalties particularly where children are impacted.
"Smoking has a tragic cost on human lives and is also a burden on our health system in delivering care for those affected."
As part of the changes, the government will also seek to outlaw cigarette vending machines in licensed venues and double the fines for selling to minors to a maximum $40,000 for businesses and $10,000 for individuals.
The proposed bans on outdoor smoking and vaping include areas within 10 metres of childcare centres and schools, within five metres of shopping centres and other public buildings, within five metres of hospitals and aged care centres, at outdoor sporting events and on beaches within 50 metres of patrol flags.
Mr Picton said the government was particularly concerned at the recent increase in vaping among young people, with the number of those aged 15 to 29 regularly using e-cigarettes rising from 1.1 per cent in 2017 to 7.8 per cent last year.
"The significant increase in vaping among young people is a trend that we must stop," he said.
"As well as introducing tougher restrictions, we must also educate and encourage people to realise the damage they are doing to themselves and others by smoking and vaping."
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia state director Marina Bowshall said the strategy to cut smoking and vaping would ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of all South Australians.
"A key strength of the strategy is its engagement with community groups, non-government organisations and academic institutions that will ensure a whole-of-system approach in efforts to reduce smoking prevalence in the community," she said.
