Smoking ban likely to be stubbed out

A move to ban smoking in all bars and restaurants is expected to founder through lack of support - and give the Alliance a chance to take some of the credit.

The Alliance caucus will tomorrow consider formally opposing the ban proposed by Health Minister Annette King.

Without Alliance support, the ban cannot proceed as Government policy.

It is understood there is also resistance to a smoking ban within Labour ranks, and the measure was unlikely to proceed anyway after a backlash from the 14 per cent rise in cigarette prices three weeks ago.