Motel bans smokers in Northland first

Paihia's Cook's Lookout motel, which boasts attractions including spectacular views of Waitangi, Russell and the Bay, has become the only totally smoke-free motel in Northland and the North Island, and just the second in New Zealand.
Many motels promote themselves as 100 per cent smoke-free given that smokers may not light up in their rooms, and some include balconies within the ban, but most motels will allow smoking in outdoor areas such as outside the entrance, in their car parks and on their grounds.
But Cook's Lookout has gone further, banning smoking anywhere on the property. The only other motel to take the step is in Dunedin.
Norm and Shelagh Castle bought the motel eight years ago, and while smoking was never permitted in the units they fielded complaints from non-smoking guests about the smell from those indulging on their balconies.
"With a view like ours we can understand why our guests do not want to have to shut their doors and windows," Mr Castle said.
He used to provide guests with a screw-top jar and lid as an ashtray, to contain the smell, but after a larger group of smokers eschewed the jar the couple made the decision to go totally smoke-free, including their grounds.
"It is unbelievable the support and favourable comments we get from our guests when they find out we are totally smoke-free," Norm said.
As well as being widely advertised on the motel's website and all brochures, guests are advised of the ban when they arrive.
A number of signs declaring the ban are also prominently displayed.
There are consequences for those who don't take any notice, including a $300 charge. That penalty has been imposed a couple of times, and the guests have been asked to leave.
"There can be no exceptions to a smoke-free policy," Mr Castle said.
"It has to be a 100 per cent commitment and you must be prepared to strictly enforce the policy, otherwise you would lose credibility and the trust of all those other guests who choose to stay with us because we are totally smoke-free."
The Cancer Society Northland has acknowledged the couple's stance and health promoter Jim Callaghan presenting them with a framed letter of recognition.