The new proposed legislation will make it illegal to consume physical or e-cigarettes at a range of public places including near schools, shopping centres, buildings, near patrol flags at beaches and children’s sporting grounds.
The South Australian Government are seeking community feedback on the changes, which will include penalties doubling for the sale, or supply of, cigarettes to children.
The maximum court fine for selling tobacco products to a minor will increase from $1,200 to $2,400, but the penalty for a business will increase from $20,000 to $40,000.
Tobacco vending machines will be banned under the proposed changes.
Licensed premises are currently only allowed to have one cigarette vending machine on site.
Health Minister Chris Picton hoped the move would prevent younger people taking up the potentially deadly habit.
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“Smoking is our biggest preventable killer and cause of disease and we need to do more to stop its devastating effects,” he 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.”
South Australia will be able to give feedback during consultation process until May 14.
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