SMOKERS could be limited to lighting up in their homes as the state government moves to ban smoking in alfresco dining areas, covered bus stops and taxi ranks and sports stadiums.

In announcing the latest push to reduce smoking rates in NSW, the Assistant Health Minister, Frank Sartor, said yesterday laws could be tightened to prohibit smoking in most crowded public places.

Smoke

Mr Sartor published a discussion paper that says consideration should be given to toughening the law to ban smoking in outdoor eating areas and near children's playgrounds, sporting grounds and public swimming pools.

Bans on smoking could also apply within four metres of a public building.