New Zealand
New Zealand's restaurants, bars, and casinos, went smokefree on December 10, 2004. Numerous local District Health Boards throughout the country were already smokefree.
In December 2006, the Ministry of Health issued a report on the impact of the smokefree air law, titled, "After the Smoke has Cleared: Evaluation of the Impact of a New Smokefree Law."
A December 2005 report evaluating the impact of the law after one year demonstrated the high public support and the economic benefits of the law.
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Smokefree & Related News
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Research
shows that public support for smokefree is strong Smokefree
clauses for Waitemata's NGO contracts Smoking
ban imposed on FMG Stadium Smokefree
rules flouted Youth
carry flame for non-smoking Northland
youth supporting smokefree 2025 Participants
for smokefree policy focus groups needed 'Sterilise
Maori smokers' suggestion causes outrage Smokefree
policy a win-win Proposed
smoking ban lights up debate Smoking
ban extension proposed for Palmerston North 'No
smoking' as old fighters take to air Smoke-free
cannabis protest planned No
BUTTs about it: WDC Smokefree Parks a success Smokefree
message listened to in Mackenzie Smoke-free
from January Inmates
could get compensation over smoking ban Maori
Health Promotes Tobacco Free Workplace Researcher
calls for law restricting smoking in cars Law
changed to ensure smoking ban lawful Target
to be smoke-free by 2025 Action
against smoking will be great legacy for Tariana Turia New
Zealand plans logo-free cigarette packs Healey, B.; Edwards, R.; Wilson, N.; Thomson, G.; Hoek, J.; Taylor,
S., "The
important persisting problem of smoking in cars with children: new data
from a multi-year national survey of young people," New
Zealand Medical Journal 126(1369): 86-89, February 15, 2013. Palmerston
North looking at smokefree policy Smokers'
new legal spat Thornley, S.; Dirks, K.N.; Edwards, R.; Woodward, A.; Marshall, R., "Indoor air pollution levels were halved as a result of a national tobacco ban in a New Zealand prison," Nicotine and Tobacco Research 15(2): 343-347, February 2013. Conclusions: Our study showed a rapid and substantial improvement in
indoor air quality after tobacco was banned at a prison. We conclude
that prisoners have reduced their smoking in line with the ban, and
that a significant health hazard has been reduced for staff and prisoners
alike. Bus
stops on smoke free radar Smoking
ban not needed for local bus stops mayor Career
criminal Arthur Taylor seeks smoking ban ruling Parks,
play areas go smokefree Social
media platform for smokefree campaign Unitec
stubs out smoking on campus Riot-free
move to smoke ban surprises jails Smoke-free
beaches could be next Smoke-free
parks in draft plan Speech:
2012 Tobacco-free Aotearoa Conference - Turia Smoking
ban blamed for attacks on jail staff Collinson, L.; Wilson, N.; Edwards, R.; Thomson, G.; Thornley, S.,
"New
Zealand's smokefree prison policy appears to be working well: one year
on," New Zealand Medical Journal 125(1357):164-168,
June 29, 2012. Further
crackdowns on smoking on their way Smoke-free
prisons a success: report Tougher
tobacco laws being considered Marsh, L.; Gray, A.; McGee, R.; Newcombe, R.; Patterson, R., "Access
to cigarettes by young New Zealand smokers: little change from 2000
to 2008," Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
36(5): 415-420, October 2012. Conclusion: Many young smokers continue to purchase cigarettes from
commercial outlets, with no evidence of change in purchasing from major
outlets such as dairies, service stations, supermarkets or liquor stores
since 2000. The fact that few young smokers reported being asked to
show proof of age suggests the need for stronger measures to ensure
that retailers comply with New Zealand legislation regarding under-age
sales of tobacco. Implications: With an infringement notice scheme being
implemented and tobacco price rises, there may be an increase in accessing
cigarettes through social sources. It remains important to monitor commercial
tobacco sales to young people to determine the efficacy of policy change. Hamilton
adopts Smoke-free policy Smokers
told where to go Time
to Quit Smoking, Says Health Department Campaign Stoptober Huge
Criticisms by MPs on Smoking Ban Victoria
University to go smokefree Auckland
Council Endorses Development of a Smokefree Policy Thomson, G.; Wilson, N., "Outpouring
of public support for wider smokefree area policies in New Zealand,"
New Zealand Medical Journal 125(1359): 74-75, August 10, 2012. Tobacco
retail display ban starts today Tobacco products will now have to be hidden in stores, with retailers
also banned from displaying trading names that refer to the products.
A law change, which comes into effect on Monday, means tobacco displays
have to ... Tobacco
display ban will improve New Zealanders' health The Public Health Association (PHA) says next week's tobacco display
ban will ... to promote smokefree homes, and sending the price of cigarettes
beyond the ... Tobacco retailers interviewed in the Wellington area mostly supported
the forthcoming removal of point-of-sale tobacco product displays, according
to University ... Under the Smoke-free Environments (Controls and Enforcement) Amendment
... “The Government is committed to achieving a smokefree New Zealand
by 2025 ... Smoking
on footpaths increases hazardous air pollutants ...Other likely benefits of smokefree streets would be decreased street
cleaning costs from less cigarette butt litter, a better public image
for a city, the reduction of ... Wellington City sports parks and playgrounds are to become smokefree
areas, as the Council moves to support the Government's goal of making
New Zealand ... Smokefree
Prisons a Winner The Department of Corrections has scooped a national award for its
communication campaign to make prisons smokefree environments. The Department
won ... No
smoking in 43 sports parks and 104 playgrounds – council's new
policy All Wellington City sports parks and playgrounds are to become smoke-free
areas as the Council moves to support the Government's goal of making
New ... Plea
for bylaw on smokefree areas Calls are growing for the Hamilton City Council to implement a bylaw
making areas of Hamilton's central city smokefree – with fines
imposed on those who break ... Smoking
in cars ban may not work: Turia In the mall a stall was set up to give out information on being smoke-free,
provide ... Northland District Health Board Smokefree adviser Bridget
Rowse said ... Support our cause: South Canterbury's smokefree youth ambassadors hope
smoking will be banned in sports grounds, following the ban in playgrounds. Passive
Smoking Kills "Passive smoking is little talked about. But it's critical. Getting
exposed to second-hand smoke is just as bad as active smoking and passive
smokers often suffer ... Sportsfields and playgrounds across central Auckland will officially
be smokefree from today to coincide with World Smokefree Day. … "Today is World Smokefree Day. It's a day to celebrate how far
we have come in reducing tobacco related harm and to look forward to
the next steps required to ... Tobacco
excises passes first reading This Bill is one more step towards living lives free from tobacco related
illnesses.” ... we will be removing tobacco displays from retailers
in the next two months; ... Wellington - There are smoke-free bars, smoke-free parks, even smoke-free
college campuses. But a smoke-free country? New Zealand's government
on ... The surveys also showed total smoking bans inside and outside homes
increased from 17 per cent in 2004 to 31 per cent in 2008. The study,
published in ... Tobacco
tax increase shows commitment to smokefree 2025 A
smoke-free country? New Zealand taxes aim for it Officials hope higher taxes and new restrictions will bring the nation
of 4.4 million closer to a recent pledge to snuff out the habit entirely
by 2025. Smokers
support increased regulation of tobacco industry ...That is, 46% supported the setting of a date to ban commercial tobacco
in ten years 'if ... Gerry Brownlee also announced the green zoning
of 421 residential ... Wellington
Regional Public Health Wants Stricter Smoking Ban It has already suggested the Porirua City Council to ban smoking at all public places, ... It has been emphasized that such bans are necessary to demolish smoking. ... Quit Smoking on No Smoking Day · Smoking to Be Banned In a Number of ... Thornley, S.; Dirks, K.N.; Edwards, R.; Woodward, A.; Marshall, R., "Indoor air pollution levels were halved as a result of a national tobacco ban in a New Zealand prison," Nicotine and Tobacco Research [Epub ahead of print], May 15, 2012. This air quality study of New Zealand prisons before and after a smokefree
policy found that before the policy was implemented, the geometric mean
was 6.58 mg/m3 (95% CI = 6.29-6.58), which declined to 5.17 mg/m3 (95%
CI = 4.93-5.41) during a cigarette sales ban, and to 2.44 mg/m3 (95%
CI = 2.37-2.52) after implementation of the smokefree policy. Regression
analyses revealed an average 57 percent (95% CI = 42-68) decline in
PM2.5 concentrations, when comparing the before and after periods. Smokefreerockquest
2012 Rotorua Heats results Patel, V.; Thomson, G.; Wilson, N., "Attitudes of business people to proposed smokefree shopping streets," Nicotine and Tobacco Research [Epub ahead of print], May 11, 2012. This New Zealand study examined attitudes of business managers in Wellington's
"Golden Mile" shopping district towards a possible outdoor
smokefree policy. The response rate was 65.6 percent with 43.4 percent
in support for smokefree policies and the remainder opposed. Nonsmokers
overwhelmingly supported smokefree policies. Over 83 percent indicated
that a policy would have either a positive or negligible impact on their
business, compared to a negative impact. Nonconcern about the impact
came mostly from non food oriented businesses (89.9 percent), versus
food businesses (64 percent). Shane
Taurima interviews Tariana Turia Pub's
five-year smoking battle: 'An absolute waste of time and money'
"An absolute waste of time and money" is how a Kaikohe publican
is describing a five-year legal stoush over claims he allowed smoking
in his pub. Kaikohe Hotel owner Neal Summers was prosecuted in 2008
under the then four-year-old Smokefree Environments Act banning smoking
in enclosed public areas. … … We also network with all organisations to support and inform
government's commitment to making Aotearoa New Zealand Smokefree by
2025. … The number of council-owned smoke-free public places is set to increase
after requests from local organisations. At a meeting of the Rotorua
District ... New
Zealand considers drastically increasing cost of cigarettes in attempt
to curb smoking New Zealand hopes some tough new policies will help them become a nation
of non-smokers by 2025. The country's health minister is considering
drastically ... Auckland
Plan includes Smokefree by 2025 Cancer Society Auckland commends Auckland Council on the inclusion
of Smokefree into the newly released Auckland Plan. The Auckland Plan
includes a clear ... New
Zealand delegates push for tobacco free world by 2040 New Zealand delegates to the World Conference on Tobacco or Health
(WCTOH) taking place this week in Singapore want the world to be tobacco
free by 2040. … Five
Midland DHBs work together to be Smokefree / tobacco free by 2025 Tobacco-free
by 2025 a pipe dream? New Zealand does not appear ideally placed to achieve the Government's
"tobacco-free by 2025" goal. A low and rapidly falling rate
of smoking best prepares ... The article also says that a tobacco-free New Zealand needs clear targets
such as: close to zero tobacco use, the ending of the commercial supply
of tobacco ... The political consensus on tobacco control established in the last
term of Parliament must continue if New Zealand is to become smoke-free
by 2025, ... Calls
to sack Mike Moore Call
for Moore to be sacked as US ambassador Ban
may curb smoking: study The study's lead author, Professor Janet Hoek, said: "Introducing
smoke-free outdoors bars could reduce social smoking by removing cues
that stimulate this ... Second-hand
smoke 'drifts' indoors Edward, R.; Wilson, N., "Smoking outdoors at pubs and bars: is it a problem? An air quality study," Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association [Epub ahead of print], December 16, 2011. This New Zealand study found that air quality in semi-enclosed outdoor
areas was variable. When patrons and staff can travel between outdoor
smoking areas and smokefree indoor areas, secondhand smoke drift often
reduces indoor air quality. The researchers recommended that travel
between areas be regulated to maintain indoor air quality and to protect
worker health. Smoking
in Cardiff playgrounds could be banned Council
adopts Smokefree outdoor policy Hamilton
Zoo stubs out smoking with new Smoke-Free policy Push
to outlaw smoking in cars The battle over banning smoking in private cars has flared again. ... Watson, D.; Glover, M.; McCool, J.; Bullen, C.; Adams, B.; Min, S., "Impact of national smokefree environments laws on teachers, schools and early childhood centres," Health Promotion Journal of Australia 22(3):166-171, December 2011. This survey of 2,004 New Zealand teachers found that smoking behaviors changed after implementation of the country's clean indoor air law in 2004. It was found that more Maori and Pacific Island teachers were smokers than white teachers (12 percent versus 7 percent). More teachers from low socioeconomic schools perceived poor compliance and staff visibly smoking. Smokefree
at playgrounds Tobacco
giant helps to install smoking bins in railway station Wide
support for tobacco-free NZ by 2025 Research led by the University of Otago, Wellington shows that senior officials, health practitioners, decision-makers and opinion-leaders support bold new ways of thinking being explored to achieve a tobacco-free New Zealand. ... New
Zealand Government Plans to Make Country Smoke-Free In the month of July, the country banned smoking almost at every part of the country. But still, there are a number of smokers who are not aware of the ... Smoke
Ban Resulted in Reduction of Fires and Arson-Related ... Fewer
prison fires since smoking ban - Corrections Call
for cigarettes to be prescription-only Hospital
moves to ban smoking from streets Waikato Hospital wants to ban smokers from lighting up on the road
outside its grounds. ... New
Zealand to Get Smoke Free Soon Speech
: Smokefree Environments - Tariana Turia I move, that the Smoke-free Environments (Controls and Enforcement)
Amendment Bill be now read a third time. ... Law
change targets tobacco industry Smoking
Ban is Not the Right Decision, Say Experts Should
employers be able to refuse to employ smokers? Support
for plans smoking ban plans Smokers
face street ban Auckland Council bosses will consider banning smoking in central-city streets and at bus stops. Photo / Thinkstock One of New Zealand's major employers is looking at refusing to hire smokers, and Auckland Council ... VIDEO:
Prison smoking ban: How have inmates reacted? It has been a month since prisoners could purchase cigarettes. And from last Friday, they were no longer allowed to smoke at all. All tobacco products, and the means of lighting them, are now completely banned from New Zealand prisons. Prisoner
sets mattress alight after smoking ban kicks in A maximum security inmate set fire to a mattress just days after the
national smoking ban in prisons was established. An inmate at Auckland
Prison in Paremoremo set fire to the foam mattress and pushed it into
the hallway where it ''almost completely ... VIDEO:
Former inmate: Smoking ban won't cause riots A former inmate turned academic doesn't believe a nationwide prison
smoking ban that comes into effect today will result in any major problems
within prison walls. ... Taranaki Daily News - Lyn Humphreys - July 1, 2011 That's the feedback from New Plymouth Prison manager Peter Madsen after the first day of the smoking ban for prisoners – and staff. Yesterday all New Zealand prisons became smokefree and anything related to smoking is now classed as contraband. ... AUT
University to Go Smoke-Free Call
for more resources ahead of prison smoking ban Carrots,
not cigarettes for NZ inmates Auckland's
parks to be smoke-free Governments
response to the future of Pacific Smoking Tougher
controls needed to make NZ smokefree NZ
Plans to Ban Outdoor Smoking at Bars, Cafes and Restaurants Wellingtonians
back smoking ban Prisons
prepare for July 1 smoking ban Smokers sent to prison after the July smoking ban could be kept in their own wing to avoid trouble as they battle withdrawal symptoms. A ban on smoking in prison will start on July 1. An estimated 5600 New Zealand inmates smoke, which is about 67 per
cent of the prison population. ... Turia
aims to make vehicles smoke-free The minister responsible for tobacco control, Tariana Turia, wants smoking banned in cars and will push for other tough policies to encourage the virtual end of smoking in New Zealand. In her first interview since she announced last week that the Government would introduce legislation to ban retail displays of tobacco, the Associate Health Minister and Maori Party co-leader yesterday outlined to the Herald the measures she wants brought in to save lives by reducing smoking. Her public-health agenda may be several steps ahead of the National Party Cabinet, but she has already got her way on big tobacco tax increases and retail displays and has won support to explore Australia's plans for plain packaging of tobacco products. "I would have very much liked to ban smoking in cars," she
said. "Some people feel it's going a little too far, telling people
what to do in their own private vehicles." ... Govt
acts to take tobacco off display Tobacco displays in shops look set to be banned next year in what some hope is the beginning of the end for tobacco sales in New Zealand. The Cabinet has backed a raft of tobacco reforms that include removing displays in shops and providing for instant fines for those caught selling to minors. The proposals were announced a day after the Maori affairs select committee tabled measures aimed at making New Zealand smokefree by 2025. Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia yesterday said smoking "cast a long shadow of death and disease" and the changes were a strong step in reducing its threat. "There is still so much to be done, but I'm more confident than
ever that we can reach the goal of New Zealand being a nation free of
tobacco," she said in a statement. Editorial
: Anti-smoking prescription too radical Parliament's Maori Affairs select committee had good reason to initiate an inquiry into the tobacco industry. The Maori smoking rate is 45 per cent, more than double that of the rest of the population and, on average, Maori take up the habit at a startlingly young age of 11. . . . The approach over the past 10 years has, however, been far from a total success. During its time, the overall number of smokers has varied little from 20 per cent. There is little to suggest more of the same would have much of an impact. What works best, according to researchers and health officials, are price rises. Yet these have been absent from the anti-smoking strategy for a decade until being resurrected this year in legislation that will ultimately lift the tax on cigarettes by more than 30 per cent and loose tobacco by more than 44. That law was shepherded through Parliament by Mrs Turia, who is also Maori Party co-leader. To a large degree, she has stolen the thunder of the select committee. . . . In reality, the Government has already closed the one yawning gap in the long-running anti-smoking strategy. This offers more promise than the more radical measures proposed by the committee, some of which would have malign consequences. Yet even a more cogent and comprehensive Government policy may yield
only so much. Education campaigns and other measures have left New Zealanders
in no doubt about the dangers of tobacco. Diehards, however, will probably
always stand in the way of making the country smoke-free, let alone
by 2025. ... Backing
For Tobacco Control Proposals Opposition parties and anti-smoking lobby groups are backing tough new recommendations for controlling tobacco. Parliament's Maori affairs select committee, after a year-long inquiry, today released a report setting goals of halving smoking by 2015 and turning New Zealand into a smokefree nation by 2025. It wants the Government to reduce the amount of tobacco imported, force tobacco products to be sold in plain packaging, extend smokefree areas to vehicles, ban vending machines, make tobacco companies fund smoking cessation products and ban tobacco displays in shops. "The committee wanted to come up with a hard-hitting report that the Government can pick up and run with to improve the health of Maori and of all New Zealanders, and we think we have done that," said committee chairman Tau Henare. "Our package of recommendations concentrates on putting financial,
ethical and legal pressure primarily on the tobacco industry instead
of just focusing on smokers." ... Smokefree
By 2025 "A Huge Ask" Key Says rime Minister John Key says it would be "a huge ask" to achieve a smokefree New Zealand by 2025 -- a goal that is set in a parliamentary report to be released tomorrow. The Maori affairs select committee has held an inquiry into the tobacco industry, hearing hundreds of submissions over the last few months. Its report is understood to set the smokefree goal and recommend tobacco displays in shops be banned, cigarettes and loose tobacco sold in plain packaging and a ban on smoking in cars and public places. It will also ask the Government to cut down the amount of tobacco imported into New Zealand and suggest tobacco companies should pay for addiction treatment like nicotine patches. The recommendations are not binding on the Government, and Mr Key was cautious when reporters asked him about it. "It would be extremely difficult," he said in response to questions about making New Zealand smokefree by 2025. "The good news is less people are smoking and there is greater
awareness of the damage that you can do to your health. ... 'Balancing
Acts': The Politics and Processes of Smokefree Area Policymaking in
a Small State "Nanny
State" worries trump child health in smokefree... Despite strong public and smoker support for smokefree area changes, research from the University of Otago, Wellington indicates that New Zealand politicians and health officials prefer education to protect children, not regulation. The findings emerge from a new study examining influences on smokefree area policy development, in which Department of Public Health researchers Helen Wilson and Dr George Thomson analysed interviews with 62 politicians and senior officials. Dr Thomson says the reluctance to regulate appears to be because of fears of the politics involved, including ‘nanny state’ worries, and because politicians and policymakers are generally not aware of the strong support for change. ... Public
support further smoking bans - study The majority of New Zealanders support additional smoking bans but the Government is reluctant to regulate for fear of being seen as a "nanny state", new research shows. The study, by Otago University Wellington's Department of Public Health, found strong support for changes to smokefree areas. Health researcher George Thomson said the study found politicians and health officials preferred education to protect children, rather than regulation. Dr Thomson, who analysed interviews with 62 politicians and senior officials, said a reluctance to regulate appeared to stem from a fear of the politics involved and ignorance about the level of support for changes to smokefree policies. "While the majority of those interviewed perceived the issue of smokefree public areas as highly controversial, the reality is that recent research shows, for instance, that more than 65 percent of smokers, and 75 percent of the New Zealand public, think smoking should not be allowed at public playgrounds," he said. ... Leaks
reveal over $6m spent on tobacco front group Leaked documents have revealed tobacco companies funnelled more than $6 million into establishing an Australian front group, just months after a New Zealand retailers' group was also found to have links with the tobacco industry. The documents show the newly-formed Alliance of Australian Retailers, which was set up last month to fight the planned introduction of plain cigarette packaging in Australia, has received over A$5 million (NZ$6.3 million) from the three biggest tobacco giants. . . . The revelation comes just months after a recently-established New Zealand group, the Association of Community Retailers (ACR), was also revealed to have received support from the tobacco industry. The ACR, which was critical of the New Zealand Government's tobacco price hikes in April, has rejected suggestions it was backed by tobacco cash and said it was entirely funded by its small retailer members. But Imperial Tobacco's New Zealand sales and marketing director, Tony Meirs, told a select committee in May that his company had provided public relations advice to the group through a PR agency, Omeka Public Relations. Bloggers have revealed a number of other links between Omeka Public Relations, the ACR and Imperial Tobacco. ... Whanganui
to ban smoking in council-owned parks and reserves Smoking will become illegal in Whanganui's premier parks, despite Mayor Michael Laws saying the new bylaw treats smokers like patched gang members. The Smokefree Parks bylaw gives the council the authority to ban smoking in any of the parks or reserves it owns. It has indicated this will happen in Whanganui's six premier parks: Virginia Lake, Kowhai Park, Queens Park, Bason Botanic Gardens, Castlecliff Coastal Reserve and the upgraded central city area – covering 123 hectares of the city. At a full Wanganui District Council meeting yesterday, the bylaw was
passed by eight votes to four, but not before animated discussion. ... Prison
ban could cause riots corrections The Government ban on prisoners smoking in jail could lead to increased riots and disorder, the Corrections Department has warned. But it noted that a long implementation period that included quitting programmes would reduce the risks. In June, Corrections Minister Judith Collins said prisons would be smoke-free by July 2011. Prisoners would not be able to smoke or carry tobacco or lighters, and prison staff would be allowed to smoke only in designated outdoor areas. The Corrections Association criticised the move as putting staff in
danger, but Ms Collins said a ban would be healthier and prevent legal
action against the department for failing to provide a safe environment.
... A
qualitative case study of policy maker views about the protection of
children from smoking in cars Mental
services smoking ban fails Moves to ban all smoking on hospital premises faltered yesterday when the Southern District Health Board voted against smoke-free mental health services. The board had been asked to endorse implementing its smoke-free policy for mental health services and facilities, following a lengthy discussion at its hospitals advisory committee meeting, but yesterday the board vote was lost on voices. Member Richard Thomson, who has spoken out repeatedly about the move to have mental health patients not permitted to leave hospital premises banned from smoking, indicated at the start of the debate he did not expect to win the argument. He said he could not vote for forced treatment for a group of people who had not asked for it. "That is a very significant step to take." His research had showed it was not an effective way of getting patients to stop smoking and could put patients off seeking the treatment they needed He referred to an email he had received from a person with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia who said he refused to access health care because of the " totalitarian anti-choice regime in psychiatric hospitals". Patients at Wakari Hospital's 9A and 9B wards can light up in a grassed courtyard. ... Majority
of New Zealanders back tobacco sales ban - poll The majority of New Zealanders support an end to commercial tobacco sales by 2020, a UMR Research survey has found. The survey, for anti-smoking group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), asked 750 respondents if they agreed or disagreed that "New Zealand should be a completely Smokefree nation by 2020. This means smoked tobacco would not be widely available for sale." Fifty-nine percent of respondents "agreed" or "strongly agreed" with the statement, ASH said. ... Psychiatric
wards to be smoke-free Smoking is to be banned at psychiatric wards in Dunedin, a move labelled "forced treatment" by Southern District Health Board (SDHB) member Richard Thomson. The hospital advisory committee this week endorsed a plan to ban smoking at Wakari Hospital and Dunedin Hospital mental health wards. Mr Thomson said the ban was akin to forced treatment for psychiatric patients who were not entitled to leave hospital grounds. This would not be acceptable for any other group of patients, he said. He emphasised he was not pro-smoking, and he supported encouraging patients to kick the habit. However, using psychiatric patients' "coincidental imprisonment" to enforce quitting was not right. Even inpatients with severe respiratory conditions were able to smoke if they left hospital grounds, some even "dragging their drip" on to the street. ... Whangarei
council to make parks smoke-free Bid
to extend smokefree status A bid to extend smokefree status to include psychiatric patients will be presented at a Southern District Health Board committee today. The hospital advisory committee will consider the request to extend the DHB's non-smoking policy to Dunedin Hospital's 1A, Wakari Hospital, including all hospital grounds. An unauthorised pilot scheme preventing some detained psychiatric patients at Wakari Hospital from smoking was stopped last month after a DHB board member complained. A report in the meeting agenda recommends the hospital advisory committee approve the plan to make mental-health services smokefree. In the report, the mental-health service disagrees with the assertion
that preventing detained mental health patients from smoking breached
their rights. ... Minister
confirms prison smoking ban Prisoners will be forced to go cold-turkey on 1 July next year after a government decree to ban smoking. Corrections minister Judith Collins announced the measure today saying it was out of concern for the health and safety of prison staff. There was also concern about potential legal action from prison staff or non-smoking prisoners over exposure to second-hand smoke if no action was taken. Corrections head Barry Matthews said prisoners also used lighters and matches to damage property, such as throwing burning balls of toilet paper at guards and setting fires in their cells. Two-phase
anti-smoking strategy A two-part strategy was outlined today by Jeffrey Wigand to the Maori Affairs Select Committee inquiry into smoking. The first part included: * Make cigarette packages plain and nondescript so they were not an advertising tool. * Put tobacco behind the counter, so customers have to ask for it specifically. * Increase the price -- a 10 percent price increase causes a 7 percent erosion in the ability of youth to buy tobacco. . . . Dr Wigand also suggested a secondary phase, or much more aggressive strategy. * Sell tobacco only were youth are not permitted, such as R18 venues. * Eliminate all additives that are intentionally added, don't make it so tasty, and the nicotine manipulating substances. * Take nicotine in cigarettes immediately to zero Call
to make cigarettes illegal by 2020 The man famous for blowing the whistle on the US tobacco industry has urged a parliamentary select committee in Wellington to make cigarettes illegal within 10 years. Dr Jeffrey Wigand, the man portrayed by Russell Crowe in the film The Insider, says Parliament could easily achieve a smokefree society by 2020. For many years Dr Wigand worked for tobacco giant Brown and Williamson. Now the corporate whistleblower uses his intricate knowledge of the industry to influence policy around the world. NZ
smokers exposed to more tar than Aussies New Zealand smokers are exposed to much more nicotine from cigarettes than are Australians, possibly because of a preference for high-nicotine brands on this side of the Tasman. The results come from a tobacco industry study, which also found New Zealand smokers are exposed to the greatest average amount of tar out of 5703 smokers in eight countries. Nicotine is the addictive part of tobacco smoke, and tar is an irritant thought to be a major cause of lung cancer. . . . The study by international company British American Tobacco's researchers in Britain tested 80,000 butts supplied from smoked cigarettes by smokers in eight countries. Fifteen cigarette brands were tested in each country, to reflect the range available. The study was published online by the journal Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. Wakari
Hospital's smoke-free bid blasted Removing the right of some locked-in psychiatric patients to smoke at Wakari Hospital breaches human rights and should not have been implemented without the say-so of the health board, Southern District Health Board member Richard Thomson says. Mr Thomson has called for a pilot smoke-free scheme introduced at a locked ward at Wakari to be stopped. Under the scheme at Wakari's 9B ward, only patients considered not to be a clinical risk are allowed off the grounds to smoke. Smoking is not permitted in the ward itself, nor in an outdoor courtyard.
... Zoo
joins tidal wave of bans on smoking Auckland Zoo will ban smoking from Saturday, riding the growing wave of opposition to lighting up at outdoor venues. Smoking is banned by law indoors at all workplaces and everywhere - both indoors and outdoors - at schools and early childhood centres. Now a growing number of outdoor venues, universities and polytechnics
are choosing to ban smoking. Nearly a third of city and district councils
actively discourage smoking in their playgrounds and sports fields,
mainly by putting up signs. ... Two
thirds of kiwis want a smokefree New Zealand by 2020 The Smokefree Coalition will present research to the Maori Affairs Select Committee in Wellington tomorrow showing that 64 percent of New Zealanders completely support an end to tobacco sales by 2020. The new findings from UMR back up the Coalition's proposal for a comprehensive set of policies to end the commercial sale of tobacco by 2020. Coalition Director Dr Prudence Stone and Chairperson Professor Robert Beaglehole will outline to the Select Committee a Vision for a tobacco free New Zealand and the steps required to reach this within a decade. "The recent tax increases on tobacco products are an important first step in achieving this Vision. The next steps include further tax increases, banning retail displays, switching to plain packaging and making youth environments smokefree. "We also need to restrict the supply of tobacco products and several options for achieving that merit investigation," Professor Beaglehole said. "If public support is what our leaders need in order to act, then
these survey results show they have it. The public shares our Vision
to free New Zealand from tobacco's deadly grip within a generation."
... Smoking
ban proposed for city's public places Dunedin anti-smoking groups are set to recommend the Dunedin City Council adopt a smokefree policy for public spaces throughout the city. Public Health South health promotion adviser Dave Gibbs said Smokefree
Otago would submit a report with recommendations to the DCC Community
Development Committee later this month regarding smokefree outdoor areas
and events. ... Iwi
proposes total tobacco ban East Coast iwi Ngati Kahungunu are advocating not just to make their marae smoke-free places, but also tobacco-free, as part of a movement to disassociate Maori culture from smoking. The iwi's Tobacco Use Strategy has gained the support of advocacy organisation Te Reo Marama. Its director, Shane Bradbrook, said the strategy was the first of its
kind because it would get smoke-free policy embedded within traditional
Maori law. ... University
confirms plan to stub out smoking In a report to the university council, Carr said the decision would "require support from staff". Under current policy, smokers can light-up only in designated areas around the campus. A university spokesman said there would be consultation on the change and assistance for those wanting to stop smoking. The university is expected to release an education and information programme within two months. ... Docs
urge ban on smoking in cars when kids present Members of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, which represents 9000 physicians and paediatricians in Australia and New Zealand, want to see smokers fined for lighting up in a "confined space" to protect the health of children. Smokefree Coalition Board chairman Robert Beaglehole agrees. ... Getting
an Outdoor Smokefree Policy: the Case of Kapiti Coast District Council.
Older
non-smokers gain most from tobacco ban, study suggests A study in New Zealand showed that, three years after a smoking ban on all workplaces was introduced, hospital admissions for heart attacks among men and women aged 55-74 fell by 9 per cent. This figure rose to 13 per cent for 55-74 year olds who had never smoked. Overall, the research showed heart attacks among people aged 30 and over fell by an average of 5 per cent in the three years following the ban. The study, involving scientists from the University of Edinburgh, examined trends in acute heart attacks following a change in legislation. The ruling, which updates a previous law in which smoking was outlawed in some public places, makes smoking illegal in all workplaces including bars and restaurants. . . . The study, carried out with the Universities of Otago and Canterbury
in New Zealand and the University of Southampton, was published in the
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. ...
Older people who have never smoked benefit most from smoking bans, a study suggests. A study in New Zealand showed that, three years after a smoking ban on all workplaces was introduced, hospital admissions for heart attacks among men and women aged 55-74 fell by 9 per cent. This figure rose to 13 per cent for 55-74 year olds who had never smoked. Overall, the research showed heart attacks among people aged 30 and
over fell by an average of 5 per cent in the three years following the
ban. The ruling, which updates a previous law in which smoking was outlawed in some public places, makes smoking illegal in all workplaces including bars and restaurants. Researchers also found that heart attacks were reduced for ex-smokers of all ages, and that there was a greater decrease in hospital admissions for men compared with women. ... Southland
and Otago DHBs Revise Smokefree policy Southland and Otago DHBs are committed to protecting their communities from the harm caused by smoking and are launching a revised and stronger Smokefree policy to reaffirm this fact. The revised Smokefree (Auahi Kore) Policy, launched this week, outlines the DHBs’ commitment to providing a smokefree environment for all patients, staff and visitors. It also states how the DHBs will ensure all hospitalised patients who
smoke are provided with on-going support and advice to quit by using
the ABC approach ... Auckland
Uni begins the year smoke free Students starting the new academic year at the University of Auckland have been given a clear message - no smoking. The university is the first in the country to impose a total smoking ban on all of its campuses, including outdoor areas. Students enjoying orientation week at the University of Auckland were also liking the clean air, with smoking now banned on all university property. ... Key
not keen on smoking ban at beaches, public places A proposal to ban smoking at beaches and other public places doesn't have the support of Prime Minister John Key, who thinks it is too "nanny state". The Auckland Regional Public Health Service last week said it would urge tougher measures in a submission to the Maori affairs select committee's inquiry into the tobacco industry and the effects of tobacco use on Maori. The Auckland service wanted the law banning indoor smoking at workplaces extended to playgrounds, outdoor eating areas, beaches, the area outside buildings, cars when a child under 16 is present, public transport stops and pedestrian malls. ... Kiwis
told they will get used to smoking ban Health officials say Kiwis will eventually get used to a smoking ban
on beaches and public areas. The call comes from the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS). They say Kiwis could get used to it - like they did when the smoking was banned in restaurants and bars in 2003. ... Smoking
fight moves to beaches Taxpayer-funded health officials are calling on the Government to increase tobacco tax and ban smoking in many outdoor public areas such as beaches. The call from the Auckland Regional Public Health Service for a range of tough measures comes in its submission to the Maori affairs select committee's forthcoming inquiry into the tobacco industry and the effects of tobacco use on Maori. Hopes are high among public health campaigners that the inquiry will re-frame debate on tobacco and make it easier for the Government to adopt radical measures to make New Zealand smokefree within 10 years. The Auckland service wants the law banning indoor smoking at workplaces
extended to playgrounds, outdoor eating areas, beaches, the area outside
buildings, cars when a child aged less than 16 is present, public transport
stops and pedestrian malls. ... Tobacco
smoking will be banned in the Gisborne region if ... Turanganui PHO is calling for a prohibition of tobacco in Tairawhiti as a way to prevent smoking-related deaths among the region’s Maori. The PHO made its radical recommendation in a submission to the Maori Affairs Select Committee Inquiry into the tobacco industry and its impact on Maori. “Our intentions are clear,” the submission reads. “Cut off the supply of tobacco while committed organizations address and reduce the impact on the users. “We ask that the Committee assist to eventually eliminate the
use of tobacco, and help to resolve the genocidal impact the industry
is having on Maori here in Tairawhiti.” ... Study
shows Kiwis want to see cigarettes banned by 2020 Half the nation, including smokers, support completely banning cigarettes within 10 years, a study has found. The 2008 Health and Lifestyles Survey compiled nationwide interviews from the Health Sponsorship Council of 1608 people, including 422 smokers, and has just been published in the NZ Medical Journal. It found 49.8% of people agreed cigarettes should no longer be sold in New Zealand in 10 years, 30.3% disagreed and 19.9% neither agreed nor disagreed. Of the smokers surveyed, 26.2% agreed and 55.3% disagreed. The study also showed public support for plain, unbranded cigarette packets and fewer tobacco retailers. Pacific Islanders, in particular, showed strong support for the measures. ... Council
says `no' to lower Octagon plan Backers of a plan to close the lower Octagon to traffic during summer weekends were challenged yesterday to come up with a more compelling reason to do so, as the Dunedin City Council voted nine to four against the idea. The Lower Octagon Forum also lost support for its lack of interest in helping fund the plan, at a council planning and environment committee meeting yesterday. The first committee meeting of the year debated the matter, and most other matters on the agenda, at some length with election day looming only nine months away. The forum asked the council to consider closing the lower Octagon to traffic from 6pm on Fridays to 6pm on Sundays during summer, something it hoped would improve the ambience of the area. ... Smoking
ban unlikely A recommendation to turn down a request to introduce a Dunedin City Council bylaw banning smoking on footpaths around Dunedin Hospital is disappointing, but not surprising, hospital managers say. "It was an unusual request," Otago District Health Board
chief operating officer Vivian Blake said. ... Push
to New Zealand smoke free by 2020 continues Anti-smoking groups will meet in Wellington on Monday as part of their continuing campaign to make New Zealand smoke free by 2020. The Smokefree Coalition is holding the seminar to encourage submissions to parliamentary inquiry into smoking to be held next year. The Maori affairs select committee is inquiry into the tobacco industry and the consequences of tobacco use for Maori with written submissions due by January 29 and public hearings beginning in February. The coalition's director, Prudence Stone, was confident the MPs would back their calls to end smoking in New Zealand. ... Opinion
divided over smoke-free footpaths around hospital The idea of smoke-free footpaths around Dunedin Hospital provoked two schools of thought yesterday. People spoken to by the Otago Daily Times outside the hospital either supported the proposal, even if they smoked, or thought, as adults had the right to choose to smoke, a dedicated area should be provided for them. A report from Otago District Health Board Brian Rousseau at a board meeting on Thursday advised that the possibility of designating smoke-free footpaths surrounding the hospital had been raised with the Dunedin City Council. The council was still preparing its response to the health board's inquiry and was looking at how other local authorities addressed the issue. ... University's
smoke-free plan first in country Pub
ban stubs out smoking at home A ministry expert on tobacco, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, says one of the positive spin-offs of the law has been that the number of smoke-free homes has dramatically increased. He attributes the trend to a change in attitude - "People started thinking, `I can't smoke in the pub so I won't smoke in my home'." A report evaluating the law's effectiveness and impact across various sectors shows exposure to second-hand smoke in the home decreased from 20% in 2003 to 9% in 2006. And the cultural shift, which has seen smoking become less socially acceptable, has seen smoking rates fall year on year. The research, he says, also shows "the overall economic impact [of the legislation] was not a negative one". But Josh White of the Hospitality Association of New Zealand says there is no doubt the law has had a negative impact on licensed premises. "Everyone that's tried to survive has had to put a smoking area in at their own cost." ... 2008
New Zealand Tobacco Use Survey: Quitting Results (PDF) This report presents the quitting results of 15–64-year-olds from the 2008 New Zealand Tobacco Use Survey (NZTUS), including, where possible, comparisons with the 2006 NZTUS.
Three out of five current smokers had tried to quit smoking in the past five years, a third of smokers had quit for at least 24 hours in the past 12 months and a fifth had successfully quit for a week before starting to smoke again. Four out of five current smokers said that they would not smoke if they had their life over again. Three-quarters of smokers who had tried to quit in the past 12 months said one of the reasons was for their own health, while a third had tried to quit because of the cost of smoking. ... Smokefree
Cars in New Zealand: Rapid Research Among Stakeholders on Attitudes
and Future Directions. AIM: To conduct a rapid appraisal of the attitudes of New Zealand decision
makers and tobacco control stakeholders on enacting a smokefree cars
law. METHODS: A media and document search was made for relevant official
and other statements. In early 2008, nine semi-structured interviews
were carried out involving three MPs, two officials of government health
agencies and four members of NGOs with a stake in tobacco control. Interviews
were audiotaped, transcribed, and analysed for themes. RESULTS: In official
statements, and amongst the interview sample, there was general opposition
to giving smokefree car legislation a current high priority. Reasons
given for opposition to such a law included the suboptimal use of advocacy
capital compared with other initiatives (e.g. tobacco display bans),
the perceived success of relevant health marketing campaigns, and concerns
over the current political will to enact legislation that targets smoker
freedoms ... AIM: To investigate (i) the extent, nature and effectiveness of smokefree outdoor area (SFOA) policies in New Zealand, (ii) incentives and motivations for, and barriers to creating these SFOA. METHODS: Literature and media searches were conducted for relevant material to February 2009. Nine in-depth interviews were conducted in October 2008, with key informants from local government, health and related research areas. RESULTS: Twenty-three of 73 local authorities have 'educative' ... Support
by New Zealand Smokers for New Types of Smokefree Areas: National Survey
Data. AIMS: To describe smoker support for new smokefree laws covering cars
and outdoor settings, in a national sample of New Zealand (NZ) smokers.
METHODS: The NZ arm of the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation
Survey (ITC Project) uses as its sampling frame the NZ Health Survey
... Holiday
beaches declared smokefree They have already been driven out of bars and off sports fields – now smokers are set for a fight on the beaches. Western Bay of Plenty District Council has made 30 of its prime coastal spots smokefree, including holiday destinations Waihi Beach, Maketu and Athenree. But other councils say they have no plans to emulate the beachfront restriction, which cannot be enforced. Western Bay of Plenty District Mayor Ross Paterson said he did not expect any problems from the move. "Nobody wants to take their kids to the beach to play in an ashtray." The policy, which will also include the towns of Katikati and Te Puke, was not technically a ban, he said. "But it is a strong affirmation by this council to support a smokefree environment." More than 20 local bodies have adopted outdoor smokefree policies, but Western Bay is only the third to include beaches. The other two are Gisborne and Opotiki. Wellington city councillor Celia Wade-Brown, an ex-smoker who holds
the council's environment portfolio, said the move was evidence that
smoking was becoming more unacceptable. "I think it should be sending
a message to smokers that they need to be more considerate." ... Wellington
woman launches petition to ban smoking in CBD It's lunchtime and all over the Wellington CBD, smokers spill out of their offices for that long awaited puff. And that's a problem for another office worker and non smoker Charlie Dickson. She'd like to be able to stroll down Lambton Quay without having to dodge smoke. After reading letters to the editor in the local paper, Charlie realised she wasn't alone and is now spearheading an e-petition on the council's website. She wants an outdoor smoking ban from Lambton Quay through to Courtney Place, Wellington's entire golden mile and that's got smokers worried. ... Smokers
support ban in cars carrying young children A study suggests strong support from smokers for a ban on lighting up in cars carrying pre-school children. The University of Otago study of more than than 1,300 adult smokers found 96% favoured a smoking ban in cars carrying young children. Lead author Dr George Thompson says support for the ban was consistent across all ethnicities and income-levels. He says with Parliament currently looking at legislationon the use
of cellphones in cars, it's a good opportunity to also consider banning
smoking while behind the wheel. ... Council
adopts smokefree policy Summit
to further Maori smokefree vision Summit to further Maori smokefree vision Leading Maori public health professionals will converge on Wellington today to attend a Maori Tobacco Intelligence Summit, being held at Te Papa. The expressed intentions of the Summit are to reinvigorate the movement towards achieving smokefree Maori communities and to redefine and support a worldview that challenges tobacco use. “Tobacco use among Maori is at epidemic proportions causing unnecessary
illnesses and 600-800 deaths in Maori communities each year,” said
Shane Bradbrook, Director of Maori smokefree group Te Reo Marama. ... Beneficial
Impacts of a National Smokefree Environments Law on an Indigenous Population:
A Multifaceted Evaluation Conclusions Manukau
parks now smokefree Public parks in Manukau are now smokefree. Manukau City Council launched its smokefree policy at the ASB Polyfest on Wednesday. The policy was adopted in September last year and targets park areas where children and young people gather, such as playgrounds and sports fields. There will be signs in these areas to make it clear to people that they are smokefree. The council says the policy is a moral ban without enforcement. Compliance will be sought through education rather than by legal means. Smokefree
- no butts about it Botany
Town Centre Clears the Air with New Smoke-Free Policy Parks,
fields are set to become smoke-free Wanna smoke? Smokers might be hard pressed to find somewhere outside to light up soon.
But Manawatu region is divided on how far to take smoking bans. Manawatu District Council is about to put up no-smoking signs in Feilding
and its parks; Horowhenua district will be talking about what to do
on Wednesday. Palmerston North city isn't entering the debate - it's
sticking with freedom of choice over smoking outside. Push
for smokefree parks The Nelson Marlborough District Health Board is seeking the Nelson City Council's support for its efforts to deter smoking in parks, after gaining support from Tasman district councillors late last year. The Smokefree coordinator at Marlborough's Wairau Hospital, Brenda Chilvers, and board health promoter Miraka Norgate plan to make a presentation at Thursday's community services committee meeting. Playground
smoke ban wins big vote of support Smoking in Rotorua's public playgrounds and popular Redwoods forest has been banned and a survey shows 85 per cent of residents are happy about it - even though a third of those surveyed were smokers. A public health service hopes the results will make for a smokefree New Zealand, prompting other councils to make their public places smokefree. Hotel
prosecuted over smoking by patrons Smokers
show support for ban New research out on Friday shows strong support from smokers for a ban on lighting up in cars carrying small children. Ninety-six percent of smokers support a ban on smoking in vehicles. Lead author George Thomson says politicians and officials had in the past been hesitant about proposing such a ban, assuming public opinion would be divided. "Smokers have been considered particularly likely to be opposed to a smokefree car law," Thomson says. But he says such bans already existed in Australian states, Canadian
provinces and states in the United States, and the latest study - involving
nearly 1400 people - indicates high public support in New Zealand. Rethink
on smoking-in-cars law urged Smoking in a car containing young children is unlikely to be banned despite a study showing 96 per cent of smokers support such a move. The Otago University study of more than 1400 people has prompted researchers to urge a rethink by politicians on introducing a law on the issue. However, the Government says legislation is not on the cards, while National says it is has not discussed such a move. Some Australian states have introduced a ban, enforced by police, on smoking in a car with a young child present. It is also law in some parts of Canada and the United States. The lead author of the Otago study, George Thomson, said politicians and officials had in the past been hesitant about proposing such a ban, assuming public opinion would be divided. Legislation
reduces exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke in New Zealand bars by
about 90% This study concluded that, "Comprehensive smoke-free legislation
in New Zealand seems to have reduced exposure of bar patrons to SHS
by about 90%. Residual exposures to SHS in bars do not result from illicit
smoking indoors." Bar takings unchanged year after smokefree law A ban on smoking in bars was put into law there has been no downturn in patronage or takings, according to a report released today. The report's authors say contrary to warnings from opponents that the law would have serious economic effects on the hospitality industry this had not happened. The Smokefree Environments Amendment Act, which came into force on December 10 last year, prohibits anyone smoking inside workplaces in New Zealand, including bars, restaurants, clubs and casinos. The report by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation considered a number of indicators after the ban was introduced, including smoking behaviour, public opinion, economic data, and compliance levels. Smokefree support skyrockets Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor welcomes the results of a new survey showing overwhelming public support for new smokefree laws. --------------------------------- Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor today welcomed the results of a new survey showing overwhelming public support for new smokefree laws. The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation commissioned the UMR Research survey. It showed 70 per cent of people support the smoking ban in pubs and bars, which came into effect in December last year. The survey revealed 42 per cent of smokers now support the ban, compared with 22 per cent in the previous survey conducted in November. Support from non-smokers increased to 75 per cent, up from 66 percent. Mr O'Connor said he was pleased, but not overly surprised, by the results. "From what I've observed and from the feedback I've received, the ban has been very widely accepted. People have been very supportive and all in all there's been very few problems with its implementation." He said it was great that even smokers were appreciating the benefits of smokefree bars and pubs. "The new law is about protecting all New Zealanders - smokers and non-smokers alike - from the effects of second hand smoke. It's the leading cause of preventable death in New Zealand, and at the end of the day it's difficult to argue that the ban is a negative step." No one had lost their right to smoke; the ban simply meant reduced harm to others, he said. Nationwide, only 195 complaints have been received since the smoking ban came into effect; 94 from licensed premises, 50 from workplaces, 29 from retail outlets and 22 from others (such as work vehicles and schools). Of these, 115 have been resolved and smokefree officers are working with the remaining establishments to ensure compliance. Where there have been blatant and repeated breaches of the ban, appropriate
action has been taken.
Tobacco Control Update Just two months have passed since the introduction of smokefree bars and restaurants, and many people are wondering what all the fuss was about. Far from being the end of the world as we know it, the new law has been widely accepted by smokers who seem quite happy to pop outside for a cigarette. Compliance is high, with far fewer complaints than expected. In the two weeks following the introduction of the smokefree law only 80 complaints were received by the Ministry of Health, and this has now dropped to five to 10 complaints, or less, a week. On average fifty percent of these complaints are from licensed premises, and fifty percent from other workplaces. This low rate of complaints is amazing when you consider that there are over 14,000 liquor licenses in New Zealand. The majority of calls to the Ministry of Health’s freephone information line - 0508 Smokefree or 0508 766 533 - have been from members of the public seeking general information, followed by employers who have queries about the legislation. Meanwhile non-smokers are breathing easy for the first time in years. A visit to the local bar is no longer synonymous with inhaling lungs-full of other people’s smoke. Smoke that contains hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, acetone, ammonia and arsenic. The 12 month lead-in period to the ban on smoking in workplaces seems to have worked in its favour. All indoor workplaces, including bars and restaurants, had time to get used to the idea and to prepare for being smokefree. The advertising that started in November left people in no doubt that December 10 was D-day for smoky venues all over the country. Many venues held ‘up in smoke’ or ‘last gasp’ evenings on December 9 to mark the passing of smoky bars, serving such delicacies as smoked muscles, smoked chicken and aged Scottish whiskies ‘with burnt-peat notes’. December 10 also became a popular quit date for smokers and quit smoking help services such as the Quitline found themselves inundated with calls. Anecdotal reports indicate that many of those who have continued to smoke after December 10 have cut down - particularly those for whom a smoke and a drink went hand-in-hand. People smoke a lot less if they have to go outside to do it. This is certainly borne out in Ireland, which banned smoking in bars in March 2004, and saw cigarette sales plummet by nearly 18 percent. Irish lungs, as well as Irish eyes, are smiling. Six months after the smokefree workplaces legislation was introduced in Ireland, over 94 percent of premises inspected complied with the law. The change in attitudes to the New Zealand smokefree workplaces legislation over the past 12 months has been noticeable. Initially, most of the comment reported in the media was negative. But as the months went by, this changed - helped no doubt by the positive reports from Ireland. By October 2004, comments reported in the media were around 80 percent positive. In fact, some publicans chose to go smokefree early, or to have smokefree nights once or twice a week. These nights were successful, and it became clear that smokefree bars would not be a negative and could even be a positive. After all, 75 percent of New Zealanders don’t smoke - that’s a huge, untapped market. And as non-smokers are generally from higher income brackets, they have more money to spend. So as we look back at the past eight weeks, it becomes clear that smokefree bars and restaurants have really been no big deal. Smokers are going outside, bars and restaurants are busy, non-smokers can breathe easy. In a few years time we’ll have a generation of young people who won’t even remember when you could smoke inside a bar. And the rest of us will wonder why we waited so long. Hospitality Association, we don’t like to say ‘I told you so’, but…
Smoke-free law working well The Auckland Regional Public Health Service's smoke-free officers say the hospitality industry and Auckland public have embraced the changes to the Smoke-free Environments Act, which banned smoking inside all bars, restaurants and workplaces from 10 December 2004. Dr Wilson Young, a medical officer of health for the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS), said that many hospitality staff have commented about the positive difference the change in law has made to their work environment. |
