Restaurants that ignore smoking regulations and individuals who bend the rules when it comes to smoking in public places, will now face even heftier fines as new legislation was signed into law this month.

Fines for breaching any smoking laws have now been increased to a maximum of R50 000 for owners of restaurants, pubs or bars, while the fine for individual smokers is set at R500.

Restaurants that allow smoking on balconies and verandas will also have to take extra precaution as the new legislation bans smoking in “partially enclosed” public places, such as covered patios, verandas, balconies, walkways and parking areas.

It is now also illegal for persons under 18 to be allowed into a designated smoking area, which includes parents taking babies into smoking areas of restaurants.

For more information visit http://www.doh.gov.za/