Smokefree Environments Amendment Bill

Smoking ban legislation, the Smokefree Environments Amendment Bill, was passed by the New Zealand parliament on December 3 2003. The legislation calls for progressive introduction of various clauses to totally ban smoking in all workplaces including offices, clubs, pubs, restaurants, airports, schools etc, within a year of that date. The bill was introduced privately by Labour Member of Parliament Steve Chadwick, who said the intention was to improve health throughout the country. Chadwick's main claim was that the bill would save the lives of about 388 New Zealanders a year who would otherwise have died from inhaling second hand smoke. She said it would reduce allied disabilities and hospital admissions, as well as discourage non-smokers from becoming smokers. MPs had a conscience vote on the issue, deciding 68-52 in favour of the bill.

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