Both smoking and vaping are banned in the ACT in the following areas:
- all enclosed public places, including shopping centres, cinemas, office buildings, buses, taxis, restaurants, pubs and clubs
- outdoor eating and drinking areas
- underage music and dance functions
- cars when children under the age of 16 years are present
- within 10 metres of play equipment at play spaces managed by the ACT Government
- all public transport interchanges and within 5 metres of all public bus, train, light rail and taxi stops – the law does not apply to private property within 5 metres of a public transport waiting area.
You also can’t smoke or vape at:
- Canberra Stadium
- Manuka Oval
- ACT Government buildings including ACT Government Schools and health facilities.
Find out more information on smoke-free areas at Tobacco licensing and smoking in public places.
Fines
You can be fined for smoking or vaping in a smoke-free area in the ACT.
You can call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 if you are concerned about an ongoing problem of smoking or vaping in public places where it is banned.
For more information on penalties read the Smoke-Free Public Places Act 2003.
No Smoking signs
Businesses, community groups and body corporates can complete the signage application form to get a free no smoking signs to display in public areas.
Smoke drift
Smoke drift can be a significant issue in multi-unit developments and apartment buildings. It is a type of second-hand smoke that infiltrates a neighbour's unit or common area, causing a nuisance or hazard. Find out more about smoke drift and apartment buildings.
More information
Find out more about smoking, vaping and your health.
