Our View: Smoke bans certain to grow | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

Smoking is never far from controversy. It seems every few months, cigarettes and the people who use them are in the public spotlight.

Yesterday, it emerged that Otago University researchers want restrictions on outdoor smoking at bars, cafes and restaurants, after finding high levels of air pollution, and that much of it drifts inside.

They urge extending statutory smokefree areas to cover half of seated outdoor areas of hospitality venues, similar to parts of Canada, the US and Australia.

In today's edition, we also reveal smoking will be banned at Baypark stadium from Friday, April 15 - the day of the Chiefs versus Crusaders Super 15 rugby match.

From this day on, smokers will have to use designated areas outside the two main gates into the stadium. Smoking will be allowed on the function centre balcony and outside one of the sheds at the back of the pits.

These latest developments follow years of growing restrictions on smoking and related advertising and bold predictions it will one day even be outlawed here.

The days of people lighting up when and wherever they wanted have long gone, replaced by images of smokers huddling outside workplaces and pubs, blowing smoke into the air.

For those who support such tough measures, the argument is simple and compelling.

Smoking is a health hazard that costs the taxpayers millions of dollars and non-smokers should not have to endure smoke wafting over them in public, endangering their health and tainting their clothes and hair.

Readers will recall the case of former Tauranga supermarket manager David Simm, 64, who never smoked but died from lung cancer after what he described as years of putting up with second-hand smoke in the workplace.

The health risks associated with smoking and second-hand smoke are well documented and do not need to be canvassed further in this column.

But some on the other side of the fence will argue that widespread bans go too far and infringe on people's rights.

They will also ask: Where will it all end? People's own homes? Their vehicles? Where is the line drawn between personal freedom and state intervention?

At the moment, it is unlikely there is wide enough support or the political will for a complete ban, but the noose is tightening.

It is likely there will be further moves to clamp down on smokers in the future.

Naturally, many bars and restaurants may be hesitant in introducing further restrictions for their outside areas given smoking is still an ingrained part of socialising for so many of their customers. It would also be a nightmare to police when busy.

But sports venues such as Baypark should find it easier and the council-controlled company that runs Baypark, Tauranga City Venues Ltd, should be applauded for this move.