Monitoring approval of new legislation banning smoking in children’s playgrounds and public transport stops in South Australia

Outdoor smoking bans are recommended1 but some are contentious.2–4 Reasons for outdoor smoking bans include providing a supportive environment for ex-smokers, and, reducing the risk of: acute health effects from secondhand smoke; modelling smoking to young people; and litter and fire risk. Conversely, one argument given against outdoor smoking bans is the low and transient long-term health risk. All Australian jurisdictions have, or intend to have, legislation for smoke-free outdoor areas but the legislation is diverse in terms of which outdoor areas are included and who is responsible for implementation and regulation (ie, State or Local Government). On 31 May 2012, the South Australian Government amended the Tobacco Products Regulation Act 20075 to include smoking bans in prescribed (outdoor) public transport areas (bus stops, tram stops, railway stations, taxi ranks and airports) and within 10 m of children's outdoor playground equipment. The maximum penalty for violating these laws is currently $200. The aim of this study was to track public approval for smoke-free public transport areas and children's playgrounds prior to and following the new legislation.