England Joins NZ In Smoking Ban

16 February 2006

The Smokefree Coalition is welcoming news that MPs have voted overwhelmingly to ban lighting up in pubs and clubs in England. The law will now go to the upper House of Lords, where it is also expected to pass. If so, it will become law by mid-2007.

“This is a fantastic development – people worldwide are no longer prepared to be exposed to the poisonous chemicals in second-hand smoke. It comes right on top of our own news that takings for bars and clubs in New Zealand are up again,” says Smokefree Coalition Director Mark Peck.

Statistics New Zealand retail sales figures for bars and clubs for the December 2005 quarter are up nearly 5 percent on December 2004.

“Contrary to gloom and gloom predictions by some, smokefree bars and clubs have not resulted in reduced takings. Bar and club retail sales are up 4.8 percent on the previous December – and it’s the same story with cafes and restaurants, with a 4.9 percent increase in takings in the December 2005 quarter. Clearly banning smoking indoors in hospitality venues has been good for trade.”

Mr Peck says that England joins the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, which have all banned smoking in indoor public places or have announced plans to do so. He expects smokefree pubs in England to be quickly accepted.

“Smokefree bars in New Zealand have been a resounding success – with support from nearly 70 percent of Kiwis, irrespective of their own smoking status.

“New Zealand should be proud to see other countries following suit with bans on smoking in public places.”

ENDS

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