Smoking on Showgrounds

Smoke Free Laws in NSW 

Smoking and using e-cigarettes are banned in all enclosed public areas and certain outdoor public areas, under the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 and the Smoke-free Environment Regulation 2016. These bans protect people from harmful second-hand tobacco smoke. There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. These laws apply to cigarettes and e-cigarettes (vaping).

Enclosed public areas 

Smoking and using e-cigarettes are banned in all enclosed public areas including in shopping centres, cinemas, libraries, trains and buses.

These same rules would apply to buildings on Showgrounds.

Outdoor public areas 

Smoking and using e-cigarettes are banned in the following outdoor public areas:

1. Within 10 metres of children’s play equipment in outdoor public places
2. Public swimming pools
3. Spectator areas at sports grounds or other recreational areas used for organised sporting events
4. Public transport stops and platforms, including ferry wharves and taxi ranks
5. Within 4 metres of a pedestrian access point to a public building
6. Commercial outdoor dining areas

As NSW legislation does not refer specifically to Showgrounds, we recommend points 1, 3, 5 & 6 should be followed by Show Societies i.e. play equipment is similar to rides, there are spectator areas at Showgrounds, ring/equestrian events can be considered sports, pavilions are public buildings and food vendors/trucks as outdoor dining areas.

Smoking in spectator areas at public sports grounds 

Section 6A of the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 makes a number of outdoor public places smoke-free. Smoking is banned in spectator areas at public sports grounds and other recreational areas in NSW. However, smoking is only banned when an organised sporting event is being held.

Major sporting facilities are included under the definition of a public sports ground and are required to comply 
with the law. Other outdoor sporting facilities, such as Local Council playing fields, are also covered by the 
law.

While there is no reference to Showgrounds specifically, we recommend Show Societies follow the same rules that apply to public sports grounds and other recreational areas in NSW. Some Showgrounds are also playing fields, equestrian events are considered sporting events and Shows themselves are organised recreational events.

Display of 'No Smoking' signs 

Owners and occupiers of the following outdoor public places must ensure that adequate ‘No Smoking’ signs 
are displayed in commercial outdoor dining areas. 

• Ensure agreements are in place with commercial food vendors 
• Place no smoking signage in outdoor food areas which comply with regulations

Things Shows can do to comply with the Smoke Free Laws in NSW 

✓ Set up designated smoking areas at your Showgrounds for the public and if able, include them on a map. Ensure the areas are correctly signed.
✓ Set up designated smoking areas at your Showground for staff/volunteers, commercial exhibitors and include them in handbooks or exhibitor documentation. Ensure the areas are correctly signed.
✓ Include smoking rules in your Showgrounds conditions of entry and/or in your ticket or event conditions i.e. Smoking (including electrical cigarettes and vapes) are prohibited indoors and at all catering, public seating, or spectating areas of <Insert Name> Showground, and where indicated by ‘No Smoking’ signage. Smoking is only be permitted at designated smoking areas.
✓ In your agreements with commercial food vendors make them aware of the requirements of the Act and require them to put up compliant nonsmoking signs.
✓ Put up nonsmoking signage in areas of the Showground which have been used by smokers previously and are not longer permitted/don’t comply with the laws.
✓ Ask security or other Show officials to enforce the smoking rules you have set.

Some Councils in NSW are also establishing nonsmoking laws. You may like to check with your Council or if you are on Crown land, your land manager, to see if they have any rules in place for smoking on Showgrounds.
 

Information was sourced from the following websites: 

• NSW Health – Smoke Free Laws
• NSW Health – no smoking in spectator areas at public sports grounds
• Tobacco in Australia
• Sydney Showground conditions of entry