Fines for smoking in Australia vary significantly by state and location (e.g., enclosed areas, outdoor dining, near kids), ranging from on-the-spot fines like $200-$300 (WA, NSW) up to large court-imposed penalties, with some instances reaching thousands of dollars for repeat offenses or serious breaches, especially in places like the ACT where refusing to stop can hit $3,200.
Penalties for illegal cigarettes in Australia are severe and increasing, with hefty fines and potential jail time, especially for commercial quantities, including up to 7 years imprisonment and $1.54 million fines in NSW for serious offences. Penalties vary by state but generally involve large fines for individuals and corporations, closure orders for premises, and even jail for major traffickers, reflecting a national crackdown on illicit tobacco.
A $300 on the spot fine can be issued for vaping or smoking in a smoke-free area. For more information on smoke-free laws, visit: www. health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/smoke-free-laws. aspx For support to quit, visit iCanQuit.com.au or call the Quitline or Aboriginal Quitline on 13 78 48 today.
Australia's new tobacco laws, fully effective July 1, 2025, standardize all tobacco products in plain packaging, ban flavors (like menthol), remove misleading names (like 'light'), enforce consistent pack/stick sizes, and add quit-support inserts, aiming to reduce appeal and help people quit, while new state laws also target illegal tobacco trade with higher fines and landlord accountability.
Under government legislation it is an offence to smoke within the workplace, and those found to be non-compliant can be fined.
9211, otherwise known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, prohibits smoking in public places. Violators of the smoking ban shall be punished with a fine ranging from Five Hundred Pesos (P500. 00) to not more than Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00), depending on how many times the offense is committed.
In all states and territories, it's illegal to smoke in enclosed public places including: public transport such as trains, planes and buses. office buildings. shopping malls.
When you quit smoking, you may experience the “icky threes”: extra challenges on day 3, week 3, and month 3 of not smoking. In other words, you may experience additional side effects at the third day, third week, and third month after quitting smoking.
You generally cannot smoke in most enclosed public spaces, public transport, and many outdoor areas like near entrances, playgrounds, or beaches, but it depends heavily on local laws, with most places allowing smoking in designated areas or open spaces not covered by bans, often with specific distance rules (like 4-10 meters from entrances/playgrounds) to protect others from secondhand smoke.
The Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 makes a number of outdoor public places smoke-free. Smoking is banned within 4 metres of a pedestrian entrance to or exit from a public building in NSW. This law is called the '4 metre law'.
In some states the cutoff age for that minor is 16 years, in others it's 18, but in every state you'll get an on the spot fine, and potentially a larger punishment later. However, it's not illegal to smoke in your car in Australia if there are no minors in the car.
If you have tried speaking with the neighbour and the issue isn't resolved, report it to your local council. Second-hand smoke is a nuisance and a hazard and should be treated the same as noise complaints. You can also try contacting your local health district to see if they can help resolve the issue.
Under the NSW Smoke-free Environment Act 2000, vaping is banned wherever smoking is banned. A $300 on the spot fine may apply. For support to quit, visit iCanQuit.com.au or call Quitline on 13 78 48 today.
If you do not declare the tobacco you have with you above the duty free allowance, you might be prosecuted or have your visa cancelled. Duty free allowances apply to: visitors. Australian residents.
New South Wales
One of those rules is Rule 297, which requires drivers to maintain complete control over their vehicles if vaping while driving. If a police officer determines a driver does not have control over their car because they are vaping, it could lead to three demerit points against the driver and a $481 fine.
Where is the tax highest? The following chart shows the countries where the total tax on cigarettes is the highest percentage of the final price. The data is taken from the latest available year, 2014. Bosnia and Herzegovina emerges on top, with 86% of the total price of cigarettes made up of tax.
As of 1 July 2025, the NSW Government have introduced a new tobacco licensing scheme which means retailers and wholesalers who wish to sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products need to apply for a licence.
Can you vape in pubs? While there is no specific law about vaping in pubs, you will find that the majority have their own policies prohibiting it indoors. This is especially true for larger chains. Most will ask you to vape outside and may have their own outdoor smoking areas.
Quitting smoking can lead to significant improvements over time. Lung function and health may partially recover, with reduced inflammation and improved cilia function, but some damage, especially from long-term smoking, can be permanent.
Try Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Think about trying a short-acting NRT, such as a lozenge or gum, plus long-acting NRT, such as the patch, to get past the craving.
Heavy smokers (those who smoke ⩾25 or more cigarettes a day) are a subgroup who place themselves and others at risk for harmful health consequences and also are those least likely to achieve cessation. Despite this, heavy smokers are not well described as a segment of the smoking population. Methods.
Public Health Department: If the smoke violates local smoke-free laws or poses a health risk, contact your local public health department or housing authority to inquire about lodging a complaint. They may conduct an investigation and take action to enforce local laws.
In Australia during 2025, a pack of 20 cigarettes typically cost around A$40 to over A$50, with prices climbing due to significant tobacco excise tax increases, with some estimates placing popular brands near A$43 and average prices exceeding A$40, potentially reaching A$50 by 2026. An increase in September 2025 pushed the tax on a pack to nearly A$30.
Which Countries Smoke the Most? In Nauru, nearly half of the population aged 15+ uses a tobacco product, the highest in the world. The island also has a high obesity rate, and nearly one-third of the population suffers from diabetes, due to poor nutritional variety in the food supply.
On the spot fines of $300 may apply to individuals who smoke in spectator areas at public sports grounds or other recreational areas during organised sporting events. For more information - https://www.health.nsw.gov.