The use of e-cigarettes will be prohibited in some public places in NSW following the passing of the Smoke-free Environment Amendment Bill 2018. The legislation will bring the rules around vaping in public spaces and on public transport into line with traditional cigarettes.
Under the Smoke-free Environment Act, it is illegal to smoke in all enclosed public places, including shopping centres, cinemas, libraries, trains and buses. It is also illegal to smoke in some outdoor areas, including:
- Within 10 metres of children's playgrounds
- Swimming pool complexes
- Public transport stops and stations
- Spectator areas of grounds during organised sporting events
- Within four metres of an entrance to a public building
- Commercial outdoor dining areas
The new legislation means that it will also be illegal to use e-cigarettes in these areas. The smoke-free areas are often crowded and frequented by children and families, and people in these areas have limited opportunity to avoid smoke and e-cigarette vapour.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said there is evidence of potential health risks from e-cigarette vapours, even when there is no illegal nicotine in the e-liquid.
"E-cigarette vapours can contain chemicals, toxins and metals, and some of these substances, like formaldehyde, are already known to cause cancer," Dr Chant said.
"The National Health and Medical Research Council states e-cigarettes expose both users and bystanders to very small particles which may worsen existing illnesses or increase the risk of developing cardiovascular or respiratory disease."
The Smoke-free Environment Amendment Bill 2018 will come into effect in July 2018, and will match laws in most other Australian States.
"The new laws do not ban people from using e-cigarettes," Health Minister Brad Hazzard said. "Put simply, where you are not allowed to smoke cigarettes, you now cannot vape either.
"Despite claims to the contrary, the jury is still out on the alleged benefits of e-cigarettes. The medical advice from Australian authorities is we need to err on the side of caution.
"The NSW Government is acting now to protect vulnerable bystanders from passive exposure to vapour and if you snub these new laws you risk fines of up to $550."
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has not approved any e-cigarette product as an aid to help with quitting smoking.
The new legislation also requires e-cigarettes retailers to notify NSW Health they are selling such products, as tobacco retailers are already required to do.
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