Smoke Free Day Becomes Anti Business And Anti Enjoyment Day

The Government has turned Smokefree Day into Anti-Business and Anti-Enjoyment Day, ACT MP Penny Webster said.

"Labour and Alliance MPs such as Judy Keall lack any understanding of business. They are going to impose huge costs on publicans just trying to earn a living.

"What has the Government got against New Zealanders enjoying a pint and a cigarette at the end of a hard day's work?

"The downstream effects of this restrictive legislation haven't been considered, let alone addressed. Pub charities are going to be hit hard. Bar owners are going to lose custom to private clubs. Drink driving is going to increase in small towns, as people move from their local pub to places further afield where smoking is allowed.

"And every pub owner will be hit with a bill of at least $20,000 to build a wall straight down the middle of their establishment.

"It doesn't stop today. Tomorrow the Government inflicts yet another Anti-Enjoyment day on New Zealand, raising taxes on spirits.

"The Government's plans are anti-freedom, anti-choice, anti-enjoyment and anti-business," Penny Webster said.

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