Smoking in pubs, clubs, hotel lounges and rooftops: the 2026 venue picture
Since enclosed public places went smoke-free, the venues that accommodate smoking have done so outdoors: beer gardens, courtyards, terraces and purpose-built smoking areas. The result is that venue design now decides whether a smoker can stay for a second drink.
| Check | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Venue type | Typical position |
| Pubs and bars | Smoke-free indoors; outdoor areas vary by state and council |
| Clubs | Dedicated outdoor smoking areas in most licensed clubs |
| Hotel and casino lounges | Designated outdoor or approved areas; rules differ by jurisdiction |
| Rooftop bars | Usually permit smoking in open-air sections |
| Restaurants | Outdoor dining increasingly smoke-free |
Why venues differ so much
Rules are layered: state legislation, council local laws and licence conditions all apply. That is why two venues on the same street can treat smoking differently, and why asking at the bar remains the quickest way to know.
Etiquette that keeps it working
Use the designated area, stay clear of entrances and food service, and be mindful of families and staff. Venues that host smoking responsibly keep their areas open; complaints are what close them.
Before you order — four checks that never change
- Price against the excise floor. Duty is $1.55274 a stick from 1 September 2026 — about $31 in a 20-pack and $310 in a carton. Design decides it now: the venues that accommodate smoking do it outdoors, by the rules.
- The pack in the photo. Legal Australian stock is drab brown (Pantone 448C) with graphic warnings covering at least 75% of the front and 90% of the back — no logos, no brand artwork.
- Age and delivery. Distance sellers must verify you are 18 or over, and somebody who can sign and show ID has to be at the address. Lockers and unstaffed addresses can be refused.
- State rules. South Australia prohibits mail and online tobacco orders outright; everywhere else requires an age-verification system.
Related reading
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly — combining smoking and drinking multiplies several health risks.