DAVID WOOD
From January 2, smoking will be banned in all non-licensed public outdoor eating and drinking areas.Licensed venues can designate up to 50 per cent of the area for an outside smoking area. This area will have to be divided by either a 2.1m barrier or 2m of space between the two the areas where people can drink.
Also from January 1, it will be illegal to buy casks of wine larger than two litres in the Northern Territory.
Darwin resident and long-time smoker Wayne King was fuming over the new laws. “It’s absolute rubbish,” he said.
“I mean we have freedoms. Where are they? They take freedom of choice, freedom of this, freedom of that.
“I reckon you should be able to smoke anywhere you bloody desire.”
Larrakeyah resident and former South Australian Phil Bubner said smoking bans came into force down south two years ago and it was the “best thing that ever happened”.
“It made pubs a lot cleaner,” the reformed smoker said. “I think the biggest thing is that it stops passive smoking.”
His mate, a South Australian and fellow reformed smoker Chris Roll, said the smell from cigarettes for former smokers was pungent and obnoxious.
“Even after this short of period of time it doesn’t smell like cigarette smoke in pubs anymore.”
Darwinite and smoker Ricky Wilson is not happy about the changes.
“I reckon it is a load of crap,” he said.
“Because people are allowed to have a meal out here we are going to lose our smoking privileges which is something the government is making millions off.”
Smoking will also be banned inside the Darwin International Airport.
The display of tobacco products at the point of sale will also be banned, requiring retailers to cover their displays or keep products under the counter. An annual licence fee for tobacco retailers will be introduced.
Source: www.ntnews.com.au
