Last updated: March 22, 2024

Smoke Free Status of Outdoor Places

Does the law require any outdoor or quasi-outdoor spaces to be smoke free or restrict smoking in any way? Examples of such places include within a specified distance of doorways, outdoor patios of bars or restaurants, parks/beaches, outdoor stadiums, and outdoor markets.
Yes

Outdoor areas up to the borders of the fence or the land lot of the premises

Analysis

For several categories of places, the regulations prohibit smoking both inside the building and “the surrounding area of the building which is within the borders of the fence or the land lot of the premises.” This is designated by the phrase “any area of” followed by the name of the premises. The specified places include: hospitals and clinics; government premises; educational institutions; nurseries; shopping complexes; petrol stations; indoor stadiums, sports complexes, fitness centers, and gymnasiums; buildings or public places used for religious purposes; libraries; internet cafes; and places of national service training.

Five-foot way and within three meters from the distance of the building line

Analysis

The regulations prohibit smoking in those indoor public places and workplaces listed in Regulation 11(1). The prohibition on smoking in these places extends outside of the building to the “five-foot way within the border of the permanent roof covered area of the building, and also includes the area covered by any additional permanent roof that is connected to the main building.” As of January 1, 2014, this extends to include any area within three meters from the distance of the building line as well.

Playgrounds and gardens in rest and recreation areas/facilities

Analysis

The regulations (as amended) prohibit smoking in any “playground or garden, including the range of 3 meters from the boundary of the place,” in rest and recreation areas.

Any areas within a public park other than an open public car park

Analysis

The regulations (as amended) prohibit smoking in any area of a public park except an open public car park.

Observation towers, camp sites, and canopy bridges in state and national parks

Analysis

The regulations (as amended) prohibit smoking in any observation tower, camp site, and canopy bridge. In addition, the regulations prohibit smoking within five meters of the entrance or exit of a canopy bridge in state and national parks.

Vehicles that serve food

Analysis

The regulations prohibit smoking in any area on a vehicle where food is prepared, served or sold, and any surrounding area within a radius of three meters from the vehicle.

Restaurants

Analysis

The regulations prohibit smoking within a three-meter radius from any table or chair at an eating place. An “eating place” is “any premise whether inside or outside a building, where food is prepared, served, or sold.”