As of July 6, people will no longer be allowed to smoke in al fresco dining areas or within four metres of pedestrian entrances under the Smoke Free Environment Act 2000.

The Illawarra/Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) Tobacco and Health Team's Tara Lawson said the aim of smoke-free outdoor laws was to "de-normalise" smoking, support quitters, make smoking less visible to young people and reduce exposure to second-hand smoke.

In the Illawarra-Shoalhaven area, 18 per cent of people above the age of 16 smoke.

According to data from the University of Adelaide's Social Health Atlas (2011-13), 20.2 per cent (9824) of Shellharbour residents over 18 smoked.

Across the state, the highest smoking rate was recorded at Broken Hill (24 per cent) and the lowest (8.7 per cent) was in Willoughby, Sydney.

Smoke Free Illawarra promotion officer Tina Hunt said a team and volunteers from the Cancer Council would take to the streets over the next few weeks to let the community and businesses know about the changes.

"What we are trying to do is increase the awareness and get the community enthusiastic about the bans."

Ms Hunt said there was strong community support, with 73 per cent of smokers admitting that their second-hand smoke was harmful to others.

She also said the changes could possibly affect some pubs.

"Some pubs will have to look at alternative provisions."