Smoking in bars may end

By FRANCESCA MOLD

Smokers could be fined up to $400 for lighting up in bars and restaurants under tough new laws banning smoking indoors at all public venues.

In a report released yesterday, Parliament's health select committee recommended a complete ban on smoking inside pubs, bars, cafes, restaurants, casinos and RSAs.

Smoking would only be allowed in outdoor areas, such as beer gardens or decks.

The committee's recommendation takes amendments to smoke-free laws, which have been on Parliament's agenda for several years, much further than originally intended.

Bar patrons last night reacted angrily to the plans - one said a smoke went hand-in-hand with a drink.

The legislation previously allowed for specially ventilated rooms in pubs and clubs so that smokers could indulge without affecting the health of others.

But the committee did not support that idea because ventilation systems were expensive and not proven to adequately remove carcinogens.

The proposed new amendments to smoke-free legislation are expected to pass through Parliament easily, with support from Labour, United Future and the Greens.

National has reserved the right for its MPs to cast a conscience vote on the legislation and Act opposed the changes, saying they breached property rights.

The new laws will come into force a year after they are passed.

The changes will extend the ban on smoking in all indoor workplaces, with the exception of hotel rooms and the employers' home.

In the past, legislation has allowed for special smoking rooms at work.

Under the new rules, employers could be fined up to $4000 for any breaches and individuals up to $400 if nabbed with a cigarette inside a pub, restaurant or workplace.

Enforcement officers would be given the power to inspect premises, except for private homes, and to ask people for ID to prove they were over 18.

Smoking will be prohibited both indoors and outside at all schools and early childhood centres.

The display of tobacco products in shops will be limited to 100 packets and 40 cartons on view.

Displays would also have to be kept away from children's products.

Cigarette vending Machines will be remote-controlled by staff so that the ban on buying by under-18s is better enforced. It would also become an offence to give minors cigarettes, except in the privacy of a home.

Green MP Sue Kedgley said the committee's decision was a "wonderful day for public health".

"This proposed legislation will literally save lives."

Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor said three out of four New Zealanders chose not to smoke.

They would now be able to enjoy 100 per cent smoke-free air when they went out. Workers would also be better protected against second-hand smoke.

The Public Health Association said the legislation was a courageous move that would save lives. Second-hand smoking caused an estimated 388 deaths in New Zealand every year.

A World Health Organisation report last year found passive smoking caused lower respiratory tract infections, sudden infant death syndrome, asthma, heart disease, strokes, lung cancer and ear infections.

Last night, patrons of Auckland City bars were furious. Beech's Bar and Cafe patron Michael Vujnovich said: "Part of the comfort zone is having a Coke and smoking your lungs out ... people running a bar should have a choice if they want to be smoke-free.

"They should ban smoking all together or just accept it."

Mad Dogs and Englishmen patron Fiona Scorgie said the bill was "bloody ludicrous".

"It's not fair as it's one of the few places where it's OK to smoke - it's going a bit over the top.

"If you're a drinker, a smoke goes hand-in-hand so I guess I'll just have to take my business elsewhere."

Hospitality Association CEO Bruce Robertson said the organisation's minimum air quality proposal was a far more sensible way to meet health regulations, "but the Government haven't been listening".

New rules

* No smoking inside bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafes, RSAs and casinos

* No smoking at schools or early childhood centres

* Offenders fined up to $400 for breaking the rules

* Display of tobacco products in shops limited to 100 packets and 40 cartons

* Cigarette vending machines remote-controlled by staff

* It is an offence to supply minors with cigarettes

- additional reporting Natasha Harris