Local Government New Zealand is angling for smoking in outdoor areas of bars, cafes and restaurants to be banned – and it's a move supported by the Toi Te Ora Public Health.

According to Medical Officer of Health Dr Phil Shoemack, outdoor dining areas have some of the highest levels of second-hand smoke of all public spaces.

Toi Te Ora Public Health is supporting a move to ban smoking in outdoor areas of cafes, bars and restaurants. Photo: File.

In close proximity, second-hand smoke intake by non-smokers is similar to what was experienced prior to the indoor smoking ban, he says.

'The extension of smokefree spaces to include outdoor dining areas will help achieve the government's goal of a smoke-free Aotearoa by 2025,” says Phil.

'Having the extension of existing smokefree spaces legislation on the national agenda is extremely positive.

'It is a significant step as we look to improve the overall health of our community by achieving the smoke-free 2025 goal.” Phil says it's exciting that this LGNZ remit is supported by several local councils.

'Toi Te Ora encourages all councils to extend their smokefree policies to include outdoor dining areas, regardless of the outcome at the national level,” he adds.

'A smoke-free outdoor dining policy supports health and safety requirements to ensure the provision of safe environments.

'Extending smokefree environments to include outdoor dining areas also helps to further denormalise smoking.

'This means that people of any age will be less likely to start smoking, those who are trying to quit will feel supported in their efforts, and ex-smokers will be less likely to start lighting up again.

'Smoking kills up to half of its users. It's important to remember that smoke-free outdoor policies are designed to provide a pleasant smoke-free environment for everyone.

'Every person should have the right to breathe smoke-free air.”

A recent survey confirmed that nine out of ten of Aucklanders would be more likely, or just as likely, to visit outdoor dining areas if they were smoke-free.

Of particular interest in the same survey was the fact that eight out of ten smokers said they would continue to visit smoke-free dining areas.

Phil says similar legislation introduced in Australia shows that public support for smoke-free dining increases even further after the changes have been introduced, and they often have a positive impact on business profits.

'It's also encouraging that some local restaurants have already made the decision to introduce smoke-free outdoor dining,” he adds.

'Their commitment to providing the best environment for their customers is commended and we encourage others to do the same.”