Decision lights up anti-smokefree petition

Smokers' rights campaigner John van Buren has got the go-ahead to take his anti-smokefree legislation petition to the public - the first step towards a citizens-initiated referendum.

Under the Citizens Initiated Referenda Act, approval must be gained from the Clerk of the House of Representatives for the exact wording of a petition. The precise question is: Should the proprietor of licensed premises be able to determine whether those premises are smoke-free?

If enough eligible voters answer yes - about 230,000 are needed - a citizens-initiated referendum will be held.

The former publican said he was confident of getting enough signatures.

However, he held out little hope the smokefree legislation would be amended, as citizens-initiated referendums are not binding.

Van Buren will appear in the Christchurch District Court next week for what is expected to be the first prosecution under the Smokefree Environments Amendment Act.

- NZPA