The Wellington City Council is proposing that outdoor dining areas on the city’s footpaths, waterfront and paths become smokefree by early next year, reports Stuff.

The ban, which is seen as a further step to helping New Zealand become smokefree by 2025, was proposed by Councillors with a final decision to be made in October following feedback from the public in July and August. Should the proposal be successful, bar and restaurant owners would have to comply with the new rules within six months, reports Stuff.
“It's not a health debate, it's a personal choice debate. Individuals have the right to choose whether to smoke or vape and businesses have the right to choose if they have a space for the activity on their premises”, said Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Julie White.
Jeremy Smith, director of the Trinity Group, which owns multiple Wellington restaurant and bars, is against the ban.
“We’re opposed to it and see no real benefit because someone can step outside my licensed area and can smoke a cigarette. I'm not too sure what they're necessarily trying to achieve,” he said.
“I can see what they’re trying to do, but there probably needs to be a bit more thought … If they are going to make the city smokefree, just make it smokefree,” said bar owner Matt McLaughlin.