Smoking in public places

Smoke-free area

Transforming Sydney Square into a smoke-free area builds upon our successful trials in Martin Place and Pitt Street Mall. 4 out of 5 people surveyed said they wanted the Martin Place trial made permanent and extended to other areas.

Signs will alert people to the new smoke-free zone. The change will create a healthier environment for residents, businesses, workers and visitors.

NSW smoke-free legislation

The NSW Government is mainly responsible for regulating smoking in public spaces. We're not authorised to enforce smoke-free legislation.

Complaints about smoking in public spaces should be lodged with NSW Health. To make a complaint about smoking, call the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412

To report concerns about cigarette butt littering in Pitt Street Mall or Martin Place, contact us on 02 9265 9333

You can also read more about smoking laws and projects. We support NSW Health programs to reduce the public health impacts of smoking.

Martin Place – Permanently smoke-free

We endorsed the smoke-free trial in Martin Place becoming permanent on 27 June 2016. The 12-month trial aimed to promote civic pride and amenity with a focus on a healthier way of life.

This move is supported by the NSW Heart Foundation, Cancer Council NSW  and Cancer Institute NSW.

Public survey results

We asked for your feedback during the 12-month smoke-free trial in Martin Place and received just over 500 responses. Our online survey asked:

1. Do you support the smoke-free trial in Martin Place?
2. Would you support an extension of the trial to other areas of the city?
3. Are you more or less likely to visit an area if you know it is smoke-free?

The overwhelming majority responded in support of the Martin Place smoke-free trial.

Smoking restrictions

Smoking laws were changed in 2012 making it illegal to smoke in some outdoor spaces including:

• public transport stops and stations
• around entrances to public buildings
• near children's playgrounds
• near spectators at sports grounds.

Smoking in outdoor dining areas became prohibited in July 2015 and includes smoking bans on footpaths outside licensed cafés and pubs. Smoking is not permitted within 4m of these areas.

Since July 2007, smoking has been prohibited in all enclosed areas of licensed premises open to the public in NSW with the exception of private gaming rooms at The Star casino. NSW Health may impose penalties if a person smokes, or a venue allows someone to smoke, in a smoke-free area.

Stamping out butts

We need fewer cigarette butts on our streets and in our waterways. A ranger or NSW police officer may fine an individual $80 for discarding an unlit or extinguished cigarette – $200 if it is still alight.

Personal ashtrays are available free from our customer service centres.