Act bill seeks exemptions to 'PC' anti-smoking law

Smokefree laws have turned ordinary Kiwis into criminals, says Act deputy leader Muriel Newman, who yesterday introduced a bill which would give exemptions to the smoking ban.

The Smokefree Environments (Exemptions) Bill aims to "roll back the excesses of political correctness" imposed by the legislation which came into effect in December, she said.

"Labour's desire for social engineering is increasingly becoming an unwelcome intrusion in people's lives and needs to be kept in check."

The bill provided exemptions for groups such as sports clubs and RSAs and for licensed premises where all employees consented.

"If the publican doesn't object, employees don't object and the patrons want it, then where is the crime?" Dr Newman said.

"Club premises are restricted to voluntary members who are capable of deciding for themselves what rules they wish to have in place."

There had been a heavy-handed approach to RSAs, she said.

"There are many members who have served this country, risking their lives for the freedoms that the Labour Government is stripping away."

Dr Newman was successful in the private members' bill ballot.

- NZPA