Outside dining smoking ban

State-wide outdoor smoking bans in clubs, hotels, restaurants, cafés and at food fairs came into effect on July 6, under the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000.

The bans apply to any ignited smoking product including cigarettes, pipes and water-pipes. E-cigarettes are not covered under the act, which bans smoking within 4 metres of a pedestrian entry or exit from a hospitality venue.

"The dangers of second-hand cigarette smoke are well known," Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District director of public health, Dr Bradley Forssman, said.

"These new laws will mean an important reduction in many people's exposure to these dangers and cut the risk of long-term ill health while improving the community's overall health and wellbeing."

Sittano's Bar and Restaurant on Riley Street, Penrith, has been smoke-free since January 2015.

"We went smoke-free because we found that it was more suitable to have the entire restaurant available to the public rather than a confined space inside," Sittano's Bar and Restaurant manager, Will Elias, said.

"Our existing smoking customers adapted very quickly to the changes and we also gained more customers, so business actually increased."

NSW Health authorised inspectors can issue on the spot fines of $300 for individuals and penalties of up to $5500 for occupiers who ignore the ban.

■ Details: 1800 357 412.