Smoking law change draws mixed reaction from pubs

By JULIET ROWAN


Bar and restaurant managers voiced mixed feelings over the bill banning smoking in bars, clubs, restaurants and casinos shortly before it became law.

Jason Fox of Occidental Belgian Beer Cafe in Auckland's Vulcan Lane said he understood the law's health intent but opposed it from a business perspective.

"This law is going to cause me nothing but grief," he said. "It's like banning dust on a construction site."

Mr Fox said it was not clear in which outdoor areas it would be acceptable to allow patrons to smoke.

Judith Tabron, general manager of Soul Bar and Bistro at the Viaduct, said the legislation was going to be an operational nightmare.

She said bars and restaurants already had a huge responsibility to ensure intoxicated people and underage drinkers didn't enter.

She said the cost of compliance should not fall on businesses alone. "There has to be an onus on the person who lights up."

The Government earlier ditched plans to impose a $400 fine on smokers under the bill.

Another Viaduct bar owner felt the law was a good idea but policing it would be a problem.

John Hellebrekers of Degree Gastrobar said no changes would be made to Degree's smoking policy until the scope of the new law became clear.

Sky City Entertainment Group, which operates Sky City Casino, welcomed the law change.

"It's good to have a level playing field for all hospitality venues," said the general manager of group operations, David Kennedy.

Fat Camel Bar & Hostel in Fort St, which bar manager Paul Schuster estimates has an 80 per cent smoking clientele, would likely post non-smoking signs.

A sports bar manager said working in a non-smoking environment would be better because she hated the smell of smoke on her clothes at the end of the day.

But she thinks the legislation should not extend to everyone. "Leave the old fellas at the RSA alone," she said.

The opinion on the other side of the bar was similarly varied.

"You may as well just buy your alcohol and stay at home," said a 29-year-old insurance company employee. She said she wouldn't go to a bar if she couldn't smoke.

Bob Richardson, a 46-year-old builder enjoying a roll-your-own at the Fat Camel, didn't agree with the law but would abide by it. "I'll be a good boy and go out to the footpath."