Who enforces Queenslands tobacco laws?
Queensland’s tobacco laws are primarily enforced by Queensland Health Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) with approximately 80 EHOs across the state. Police Officers also have powers to address tobacco sales to children. EHOs can issue improvement notices and on-the-spot fines, and initiate legal proceedings for breaches of the tobacco laws. EHOs generally do not wear a uniform, but they will show an identification card before asking any questions. If you are smoking in a no-smoking zone and approached by an authorised Queensland Health Officer, you are, by law, required to provide your correct name and address to the officer. Local councils may also choose to enforce the laws about no-smoking near building entrances, on patrolled beaches and artificial beaches, and near children’s playground equipment. EHOs also respond to complaints, inspect premises and provide advice about the laws. Queensland Health encourages members of the public to report possible breaches of the new tobacco
