First Smoking Ban Prosecution
Media Release
03.07.2005
For immediate
release
First Smoking Ban Prosecution
WIN Party leader and former publican John van Buren will appear before the Christchurch District Court at 10am on Monday 4 July 2005 to defend a charge of allegedly having breached the Smokefree Environments Amendment Act.
The Ministry of Health will prosecute Wheatsheaf Tavern Limited for an alleged breach of the smoking ban in bars despite the fact the company is in liquidation.
The Wheatsheaf Tavern is the first establishment to close as a direct result of the smoking ban in bars introduced on 10 December 2004 and John van Buren the first person to face prosecution under the new legislation.
ENDS