Bar owner convicted in landmark case

Source: Auckland Regional Public Health Service

A bar owner has been convicted for breaking smoking laws in a landmark case which may encourage others to make their establishments completely smoke-free.

Auckand public health manager Dean Adam says the owner was given ample opportunity to modify his premise to meet the new guidelines.

"He refused to make changes despite numerous discussions with officers from Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS)," he says.

Public health authorities urge bar and restaurant owners to check the new Ministry of Health guidelines for non-smoking areas. Even if their venue has complied in the past, they may not meet the new criteria.

Mr Adam from ARPHS says owners may want to consider a completely smoke free environment which is already in place at many popular dining establishments in Auckland.

Hospitality entrepreneur Scott Brown owns several of Auckland’s most successful cafes, bistros and restaurants under the Hip Group banner, including Takapuna Beach Café, Ortolana, Amano and St Heliers Bar & Bistro. He says diners don’t want second-hand smoke with their food.

"We have a total smoking ban at our 16 eateries because we want to give our customers the ultimate dining experience. Outdoor diners and staff don’t enjoy smoke blowing in their faces during a meal."

"Nobody has walked out because of our smoke-free policy. In fact we have more customers come back because of it," says Scott Brown.

Dean Adam from ARPHS says breathing in other people’s tobacco smoke, or second-hand smoke puts you more at risk of heart disease, lung cancer, stroke and nasal cancer.

Mr Adam encourages Auckland diners to chat with owners of their favourite local establishments about the benefits of a completely smoke free environment. The Hip Group is testament that the smoke free trend is catching on in hospitality and Auckland research shows that this is something the public supports.

The bar owner was sentenced on January 20 in the North Shore District Court and fined $2700 across four charges plus $850 in solicitor’s costs and $130 court costs.

For the full video interview with Scott Brown on the benefits of a smoke-free policy click here.

To find out more about the new Ministry of Health Guidelines for smoke free areas click here.

ENDS

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