CHILDREN and the elderly will be the biggest winners with the toughest anti-smoking laws in Queensland’s history banning smoking in more areas than ever before.

The new laws, which come into effect on September 1, ban or restrict smoking at or near children’s sporting events, education and care centres, aged care facilities and other public areas.

Local governments will also be given the power to ban smoking in any other public space.

Health Minister Cameron Dick said the new laws meant parents and children would now be protected from passive smoking

Warwick Daily News reader Mick Dunbar said the freedom to choose was being taken away from smokers.

“I think it is taking away one of the basic rights, that being freedom that has been fought for for so long. Those in council and government take it for granted,” he said.

“I'd say if the government or council are being serious then they should look outside the box, stop dictating what is going to happen and start to govern by listening to others instead of a small group of whinging and whining people that have not done anything about it but carry on like a stale pork chop.

“I do agree about not smoking around cafes and playgrounds but if I want to sit and have a smoke because I am stressed due to my chronic PTSD, then I have a right to sit and have a smoke.”

Specifically, the changes mean smoking at sporting events like those held in Queens Park would be banned in the area where the game was, the spectator area and up to 10m past where the spectator area ended.

The council may also make laws to ban smoking within the wider area, like the park. A spokeswoman for Southern Downs Regional Council said no decision had been made on adopting local laws in regards to smoking.

Warwick and District Junior Rugby League president David Landers said it was a good thing for kids. “I haven’t noticed a lot of people smoking anyway, but smoking is not good around kids,” he said.