Dec 6 2004
From 10 December 2004, all enclosed public places in New Zealand will be smoke-free zones.
Commenting on this, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA Head of Ethics and Science, made the following comment:
"This is very good news for New Zealanders. Their Government has opted to put the health of its citizens first by banning tobacco smoke from all enclosed public places.
"Unfortunately people in England will have to wait until 2008 for a partial ban. Even then, pubs that do not serve food will still not be smoke-free ? this will endanger the lives and health of customers and workers.
"The BMA urges John Reid to listen to the evidence and to politicians in New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, Norway and New York."