Designated Outdoor Smoking Area Nsw

Designated Outdoor Smoking Areas (DOSAs) in New South Wales

In New South Wales (NSW), Designated Outdoor Smoking Areas (DOSAs) are specifically designed and designated areas where smoking is permitted in outdoor public places. These areas are established to provide a safe and controlled environment for smokers while minimizing the impact of secondhand smoke on non-smokers.

DOSAs are regulated under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 and must meet certain requirements to ensure they comply with the law. These include:

Being located at least 4 meters from any non-smoking area
Having clear signage indicating that it is a designated smoking area
Being well-ventilated and not enclosed
Not being within 10 meters of a children's playground or childcare center

DOSAs can be found in a variety of public places, such as:

Outdoor dining areas
Public parks and gardens
Sporting venues
University and TAFE campuses
Train stations and bus stops

The establishment of DOSAs has several benefits:

Protects non-smokers from secondhand smoke: By providing designated areas for smoking, non-smokers can avoid exposure to secondhand smoke in public places.
Reduces litter: DOSAs help to reduce cigarette litter by providing bins for smokers to dispose of their cigarette butts.
Promotes responsible smoking: DOSAs encourage smokers to be respectful of non-smokers and to dispose of their cigarette butts properly.
Provides a safe and social environment for smokers: DOSAs offer smokers a designated area where they can socialize and smoke without disturbing non-smokers.

It is important to note that smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places in NSW, including workplaces, shopping centers, and public transport. This is to protect the health of non-smokers and to create a smoke-free environment.