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Queensland's tobacco laws are primarily enforced by Queensland Health Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) with approximately 80 EHOs across the state. Police Officers also have powers to address tobacco sales to children.
EHOs can issue improvement notices and on-the-spot fines, and initiate legal proceedings for breaches of the tobacco laws.
EHOs generally do not wear a uniform, but they will show an identification card before asking any questions.
If you are smoking in a no-smoking zone and approached by an authorised Queensland Health Officer, you are, by law, required to provide your correct name and address to the officer.
Local councils may also choose to enforce the laws about no-smoking near building entrances, on patrolled beaches and artificial beaches, and near children’s playground equipment.
EHOs also respond to complaints, inspect premises and provide advice about the laws.
Queensland Health encourages members of the public to report possible breaches of the new tobacco laws.
From 1 January 2010, smoking in cars carrying children under the age of 16 years in Queensland is banned.
Police will be enforcing this law, and anyone caught smoking in a vehicle where a child is present will be issued with an on-the-spot fine of $200.
From I January 2010, Queensland’s local governments can regulate smoking in pedestrian malls and at public transport waiting points such as bus stops.
This means that public concerns about exposure to tobacco smoke in crowded areas can be specifically targeted and enforced on a local level.
It is up to individual local governments if they choose to develop their own by-laws about smoking.
Where local laws are developed, authorised local government officers will be responsible for the enforcement of these laws.
Contact your local government for more information about local laws in your area.
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