Stuart Ayres med rel: Butt out – Smoking banned at sporting events in NSW

Whether you’re attending your daughter’s netball game this weekend or cheering on the Panthers or Eels at Sportingbet Stadium tonight, all sport spectator areas are now smoke-free.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Stuart Ayres said that people may not be aware that smoking is now banned in all outdoor spectator areas of sports grounds during organised sports.

“Sport is all about health and fitness and enjoying time with family and friends. These bans protect everyone from harmful second-hand smoke,” he said.

“Big or small – the smoking ban applies to organised sporting events of all sizes.

“A $300 on the spot fine may apply for anyone in breach of this law.”

Mr Ayres said there were no safe levels of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.

“Families and children make up a large part of sporting crowds and for children in particular, inhaling second-hand smoke is even more dangerous because their airways are smaller and their immune systems less developed.

“I whole-heartedly support the campaign by NSW Health to create smoke-free outdoor areas like sports grounds and recreational areas, and make smoking less visible to children and young people.

“We can all do our part to make our community a healthier place and I urge everyone to follow the rules when attending sporting events this weekend.”