[Intl-tobacco] NZ: Bill to curb smoking in bars passes first hurdle (fwd)

[Robert Weissman]

Bill to curb smoking in bars passes first hurdle
by SCOTT MacLEOD
Source: New Zealand Herald, 2001-10-13

A plan to harden anti-smoking laws has passed a big hurdle in Parliament -
but smokefree lobbyists say it is still too weak.

Parliament yesterday voted 94 to 13 to let the Smokefree Environments
(Enhanced Protection) Amendment Bill go to a select committee, one of two
votes needed for it to become law.

The bill, as it stands, would force the owners of bars, restaurants and
casinos to make at least half of their public areas smoke-free with
separate ventilation.

Smokefree lobbyists greeted yesterday's news as a relief after rumours
that some politicians could vote against their parties, or that it could
take until next year for the vote to take place.

But they also called on the select committee to make the bill even
stronger.

Action on Smoking and Health director Trish Fraser said the bill was not
perfect but she was happy it had got to a stage where changes could be
made. She wanted to see all workplaces - including hospitality venues -
totally smokefree and believed there was a "silent majority" who agreed
with her.

The Cancer Society also called for the law to be strengthened, saying it
was not enough to protect only half of a workplace.

The society's health promotion programme manager, Liz Price, said only 25
per cent of people smoked. They could step outside a restaurant for a
puff.

Asthma and Respiratory Foundation executive director Jane Patterson said
second-hand smoke could trigger asthma in three-quarters of sufferers,
which limited their options when socialising.

But the Hospitality Association feared that anti-smoking laws would drive
people away from social venues.

Auckland regional manager Graeme McKay said people had a choice of whether
to enter a bar where there were smokers. The proposals would affect adults
consuming adult products in adult areas.

"It will do nothing for the heartland of New Zealand," he said. "It'll
just keep the zealots happy. The moral righteousness of these people is
amazing."

The force behind the bill is Labour MP Judy Keall. Yesterday, she said
there were signs it could be toughened.

"I think there is quite a strong feeling that people would like to do away
with smoking in all bars, cafes and casinos, right through."

She said Labour, the Alliance, the Greens and National all voted together
to send the bill to the select committee. Act and New Zealand First voted
against it, although they did not have their full numbers.

Written submissions are due by November 23.