Knocking the puff out of bars

By KEVIN TAYLOR POLITICAL REPORTER

Jon Olsen's business could go under because of a new law banning smoking in bars, clubs, restaurants and casinos.

In just over a year, he faces the prospect that half the activity at his Cuba cigar lounge and bar in Parnell - the smoking half - will become illegal.

The Smoke-Free Environments (Enhanced Protection) Amendment Bill should get through committee stages - where amendments are considered - in Parliament tomorrow.

It will probably be passed into law on September 10 and most of its provisions will come into force a year after that.

Originally a private member's bill of former New Zealand First MP Tukoroirangi Morgan, it was taken up by Labour MP Steve Chadwick, who says it represents a major cultural shift for New Zealanders used to lighting up at the pub.

MPs backed the bill's second reading 76-39 last month, with Labour and Green MPs voting as a bloc.

Mr Olsen said the law would knock his business "for six".

"We will be so severely economically affected that we will probably have to close down. I can't say categorically ... but it's going to knock our turnover hugely."

He was annoyed that the select committee considering the bill seemed to have accepted submissions claiming that total smoking bans imposed overseas had no economic impact.

Mr Olsen said New York City legislation had caused turnover in some bars to drop up to 50 per cent.