It was only a matter of time, given smoking indoors in all commercial premises has been banned for some time, but it will come as a shock to the system for many smokers.

Under the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000, smoking will be banned in seated outdoor dining areas while food is being served, with health inspectors able to issue on-the-spot fines of $300 for individuals and penalties of up to $5500 for business owners who ignore the ban.

The natural environment of the smoker is rapidly shrinking, with smoking already banned in numerous outdoor public places in the state since 2013, within 10m of children’s playgrounds, in spectator areas of sporting grounds, at public swimming pools and within 4m of a pedestrian entrance of a public building.

Health advocates are lauding the  benefits of the most recent ban, citing a variety of statistics, including evidence that shows that a non-smoker’s exposure to second-hand smoke can result in up to a 30 per cent increase in the risk of heart disease.

Many non-smokers will also breathe easier, knowing their alfresco cafe or restaurant meal will now be guaranteed to be smoke-free.

As smoking bans have increased over the years, people have become used to smoke-free environments and many non-smokers now resent the presence of smoke – anywhere – even outdoors.

While the most recent bans will be welcomed, the fact still remains that smoking is legal, yet smokers are being made to feel more and more like criminals – being forced to sneak off and loiter in dark corners lest they break the law.

Governments throw millions and millions each year at public health campaigns telling the community how bad smoking is – indeed, that it could very well take your life.

But, if they were really serious, wouldn’t they outlaw smoking altogther? But then they would have to wean themselves off the huge revenues they still collect from the industry.

That said though, change is certainly in the air and has been for many years, and the dangers of smoking are undisputed.

Community opinion is overwhelmingly in favour of making more areas smoke-free and the habit’s days would appear numbered.