Smoking indoors became illegal across Australia in stages, starting with the ACT banning it in restaurants in 1994, with all states and territories implementing comprehensive bans in all enclosed public spaces, including pubs and clubs, by mid-2007, making it a nationwide standard by then. Key milestones included the ACT leading the way in the mid-90s, South Australia banning enclosed workplaces in 2000, Tasmania banning all indoor public spaces in 2004, and other states like WA, QLD, NSW, and VIC completing the comprehensive ban by 2007.
The 'default' by-law prohibits smoking on common property, but not in private living areas. However, under the default by-law an owner or occupier has an obligation to ensure that smoke from a private living areas does not penetrate common property or any other private space.
Countries where you can smoke in bars and restaurants
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, some states implemented comprehensive smoking bans that prohibited smoking in most workplaces and all public places, including previously exempted bars and restaurants (HHS, 2006).
In 1999 the Western Australian Health Regulation banned smoking in most enclosed public places such as restaurants and shopping centres. A total smoking ban in all enclosed public places, including all pubs and nightclubs was implemented on 31 July 2006 (except the International Room at Burswood Casino).
On 6 December 1995, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) banned smoking in cafes and restaurants, the first jurisdiction in Australia to do so. Since 1 December 2006 a smoking ban has applied to all enclosed public places.
Light smokers have been classified as smoking less than 1 pack/day, less than 15 cig/day, less than 10 cig/day, and smoking 1–39 cig/week (9, 14).
In the U.S., 28 states, Washington, D.C., the Navajo Nation, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, plus hundreds of cities and counties, have enacted comprehensive smoke-free laws covering workplaces, restaurants, and bars.
On February 25, 1990, the “no-smoking” sign was permanently lit on U.S. domestic airline flights – for the health of flight attendants and passengers. This eventually led to smokefree air on all flights to and from the U.S. and to smokefree policies for airlines worldwide.
Although the public places smokefree legislation does not apply to the home (unless it is also a workplace), there are some steps that residents can take to reduce, if not eliminate the problem of smoke drift.
Germany and Austria in Europe along with Asian countries like Japan and Indonesia plus destinations in the Middle East and Caribbean maintain more lenient smoking rules.
Smoking is legal in Dubai, but there are some strict rules on tobacco consumption, as the government aims to create a safe environment for everyone. In particular, you can't smoke in public places, from malls to offices and parks. The fine is now 500 AED which is around $140.
HealthDay News — The Maldives has become the first country in the world to ban tobacco use for an entire generation, after a new law took effect Saturday.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Australia, with two in three long-term Australian smokers dying prematurely. Smoking causes many types of cancer, heart disease and stroke, chest and lung illnesses and stomach ulcers.
Not only can an air purifier help to remove smoke odors, but it can capture many of the harmful chemical components as well. There are two main ways that air purifiers can remove smoke, by use of a HEPA filter and by using activated carbon.
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.
All of the most significant countries prohibit smoking on airline flights, either through national, industry, or airline regulations. This applies to crew through different regulations, but as strictly as to the passengers. Pilots can and sometimes do smoke in the cockpits of business jets.
Smoking on planes was common until the late 20th century, with many airlines even offering smoking sections. However, due to health risks, discomfort for passengers, and fire hazards, this practice was gradually eliminated. No major commercial airlines allow smoking in-flight today.
In 1988, airlines based in the United States banned smoking on domestic flights of less than two hours, which was extended to domestic flights of less than six hours in February 1990, and to all domestic and international flights in 2000.
10 Countries With the Highest Smoking Rates, Nauru Tops the List
Yes, if their smoke enters your home and causes harm or nuisance, you can file a civil injunction suit and even a police complaint under IPC Section 268.
Three Major Airports With Smoking Areas
According to the foundation, as of April 1, 2025, 32 of the top 35 US airports now have 100% smoke-free indoor air policies. The three exceptions are Las Vegas's Harry Reid International Airport, Miami International Airport, and Nashville International Airport.
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.
Zog was said to have regularly smoked 200 cigarettes a day, giving him a possible claim to the title of the world's heaviest smoker in 1929, but had been seriously ill for some time. He was survived by his wife and son, and was initially buried at the cimetière parisien de Thiais, near Paris.
A heavy smoker is someone who smokes more than 20 cigarettes (about one pack) per day, and usually smokes every day. Heavy smokers are often very dependent on tobacco, which makes quitting more complex and challenging.