Smokefree Law in New Zealand

On 3 December 2003, an amendment to the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 was passed. The amendment required, among other things that:  

• the buildings and grounds of schools and early childhood centres became smokefree
• licensed premises such as bars, restaurants, cafes and casinos became smokefree indoors
• workplaces became smokefree indoors including offices, factories, warehouses and ‘smoko’ rooms
• the display of tobacco products in retail outlets was restricted
• herbal smoking products were included in smoking bans
• the access of those under 18 years of age to smoking products was further restricted

Second-hand smoke contains poisonous chemicals such as arsenic, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia and carbon monoxide. Prior to enactment of the smokefree legislation amendment, around 350 New Zealanders died each year because of exposure to second-hand smoke, and many others became sick. These new requirements are designed to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke.


Making a Complaint

Click here to make a complaint about a possible breach of the Smokefree Environments Act.


Legislation

Smokefree Environments Act 1990
This act regulates smoke-free workplaces and public areas, the marketing, advertising, and promotion of tobacco products and covers the monitoring and regulating of the presence of harmful constituents in tobacco products and tobacco smoke.

Smokefree Environments Regulations 2007
These regulations are made under the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 and set out the new labelling requirements for retail packages of cigarettes and other tobacco products, which includes packages displaying graphic pictorial health warnings.

Smokefree Environments Regulations 1999
These regulations are made under the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 and set out the now defunct requirements for retail packages of cigarettes and other tobacco products to display warning health messages.