Butt Out, Labour

Wednesday 25 Jun 2003 Heather Roy Press Releases -- Governance & Constitution

ACT New Zealand Health Spokesman Heather Roy today renewed her attack on the Labour Government for trying to drive the Smokefree Bill nail into the coffin of New Zealanders' personal freedom and property rights.

"If passed as proposed, the Smokefree Bill - which is to be debated in Parliament today - will ban smoking in virtually all indoor public places, including bars, RSAs and clubs," Mrs Roy said.

"ACT opposes this Bill. It a breach of property rights, which will prevent owners from smoking on their own premises. Not only that, it shows that the Labour Government believes New Zealanders are incapable of making their own decisions - and will take away that right in case they are.

"ACT is not pro-smoking, we are pro-choice. We believe that, despite the risks, every individual should have the right to choose whether or not to smoke - and that the consequences are their own responsibility.

"The Bill originally suggested separate smoking and non-smoking areas, and ventilation systems that would be required to meet minimum air standards. This would have been a reasonable compromise, allowing the rights of both smokers and non-smokers to be respected. However, these options were removed during the Select Committee process.

"ACT New Zealand will continue to fight for property rights and freedom by opposing the Smokefree Bill in its passage through Parliament," Mrs Roy said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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