Smoking, vaping ban set for next March

Wellingtonians will say goodbye to nicotine fixes at outdoor dining spots, as the city council bans smoking and vaping in these areas from March next year. People will still be able to puff on public footpaths but not if they are in an outdoor seat at a hospitality venue on council land. The change is expected to affect about 10 businesses in the central city with seating on the council-owned footpath. Smoking areas are still allowed on balconies, backyard dining areas, rooftops or outdoor dining on private land. The changes reaffirmed the council’s commitment to Smokefree Aotearoa 2025, Wellington City Council’s public health group manager, Helen Jones, said. ‘‘We understand this is a big change for both businesses and their customers, so we are providing them with any support or resources they may need to prepare for this change.’’