Where you can't smoke or vape
Smoking and vaping is banned under ACT law 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 about smoke-free areas on Access Canberra.
Fines
You can be fined for smoking or vaping in a smoke-free area in the ACT.
If you are concerned about an ongoing problem of smoking or vaping, in public places where it is banned, you can contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
Find out more about penalties at the Smoke-Free Public Places Act 2003.
No smoking signs
Businesses, community groups and body corporates can apply for 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 information on smoke drift and apartment buildings.
Laws
Go to the ACT Legislation Register for more information on the: