800×600 Normal 0 false false false EN AU X NONE X NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 When can I buy cigarettes?

It is against the law for anyone to sell cigarettes to you if you are under 18. It is also against the law for someone else to buy cigarettes for you. Anyone who does can be fined.

Do I have to show ID?

You cannot be forced to show ID. But if you don t, the shop keeper probably won t sell you cigarettes. Valid ID includes

• a drivers license or
• a proof of age card (including NSW Photo cards) or
• a passport.

It is against the law to use a fake ID to buy cigarettes. You can be fined for doing so, and the police may confiscate the ID. For more information see our Fake ID page.

Can police confiscate my cigarettes if I am under 18?

There is no law which says the police can confiscate your cigarettes just because you are under 18.

Where can I smoke?

It is against the law to smoke in enclosed workplaces in Victoria, but there are a few exceptions. Enclosed workplaces are places that have a roof, are mostly surrounded by walls (even if there are doors or open passageways), and where at least one person works (even if they don t get paid).

Some examples of places that are usually enclosed workplaces are indoor areas of

• Shopping centres
• Restaurants, cafes and dining areas
• Pubs, bars and clubs
• Schools, colleges and universities (and your school may have a no smoking rule)
• Community centres, halls and churches
• Theatres, libraries and galleries
• Public transport (buses, trains, trams, aeroplanes, taxis, ferries)
• Gyms and sporting facilities
• Hospitals
• Anywhere when an underage music event is taking place

It is usually legal to smoke in outdoor areas. If you are caught smoking in such a place you may

• be given a warning or
• be given a formal caution or
• be fined on the spot by the police ($144.36) or
• choose to have the matter decided by a court (which may fine you up to $721.80 if convicted).

It is up to the police whether to give you a warning, formal caution or on the spot fine.

Can I smoke in a car?

You cannot smoke in a car if there is someone younger than 18 in the car. If you are caught you can

• be given a warning or
• be given a formal caution 15 or
• be fined on the spot by the police ($288.72) or
• choose to have the matter decided by a court (which may fine you up to $721.80 if convicted).

Additional information

If you would like more information, you may like to visit

• Victoria Health
• Reach Out

Alternatively, if you would like more detailed advice or have a specific problem, you can send us a Lawmail.

Lawstuff australia — know your rights — — topics — cigarettes

800×600 Normal 0 false false false EN AU X NONE X NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 When can I buy cigarettes?

It is against the law for anyone to sell cigarettes to you if you are under 18. This includes herbs and other things that are smoked, even if they do not contain tobacco. Anyone who sells cigarettes to someone under 18 can be heavily fined.

It is also against the law for someone else to buy cigarettes for you. Anyone who does can be fined.

Do I have to show ID?

You cannot be forced to show ID. But if you don t, the shop keeper probably won t sell you cigarettes. Valid ID includes

• a current drivers license or
• a valid proof of age card (including NSW Photo cards) or
• a current passport.

It is against the law to use a fake ID to buy cigarettes. For more information see our Fake ID page.

Can police confiscate my cigarettes if I am under 18?

The police can confiscate your cigarettes, or other smoking products (even if they don t contain tobacco) if they think you are under 18. You will be asked for ID first. Anything confiscated from you will not be returned.

The police may also ask you

• your name and address
• the name and address of a parent or guardian
• who gave you the cigarettes.

If you are 14 or older, refusing to answer or lying to the police is against the law. You could be fined $100.

Where can I smoke? Indoors

It is against the law to smoke in enclosed public places in Western Australia. Enclosed public places are places that are open to the public, have a roof, and are mostly surrounded by walls (even if there are doors or open passageways). This includes places you have to pay to enter (like a theatre).

Some examples of places that are usually enclosed public places are

• Shopping centres
• Restaurants, cafes and dining areas
• Pubs, clubs and bars (except designated smoking areas)
• Schools, colleges and universities
• Community centres, halls and churches
• Theatres, libraries and galleries
• Public transport (buses, trains, trams, aeroplanes, taxis, ferries)
• Gyms and sporting facilities
• Hospitals.

Outdoors

It is also against the law to smoke outside

On a beach between the flags

Near where food or drink is served

Within 10 m of playground equipment.

Penalties

If you are caught smoking in a smoke free place you can

• be given a warning or caution or
• fined $300 on the spot by the police or
• choose to have the matter decided by a court (which may fine you up to $2,000 if convicted).

It is up to the police whether to give you a warning or fine you, but you can always choose to go to court instead.

Can I smoke in a car?

You cannot smoke in a car if there is someone younger than 17 in the car. If you are caught, you can be

• be given a warning or caution or
• be fined $200 on the spot by the police or
• choose to have the matter decided by a court (which may fine you up to $1,000 if convicted).

Additional information

If you would like more information, you may like to visit

• WA Health
• Reach Out

Alternatively, if you would like more detailed advice or have a specific problem, you can send us a Lawmail.