Health authorities, including Ministry of Health, Auckland Regional Public Health and the Smokefree Environments Act in the region, are highly concerned about public health. As a result, the ban on smoking publicly has become stricter.

The recent prosecution against same activity has been faced by a karaoke bar in Auckland. The bar and its authorities have been prosecuted by the legal authorities for allowing their guests to smoke openly indoors following which they have to now pay a fine of $2600 for their action.

Moreover, the Karaoke bar has become the first restaurant or bar in the city that has been prosecuted for the illegally allowing smoking in their premises. The decision of the Auckland District Court has fined the bar's licensee Fanseco Limited for $2600.

Reports have confirmed that the officials have received more than four complaints against the Karaoke restaurant (that is now under a new ownership) in only a year, following which, the authorities have to take a strict action to stop the illegal activity, confirmed Auckland Medical Officer of Health Mr. Andrew Lindsay. He also said that the licensee kept on ignoring the warnings from the officials and continued to allow open smoking in its premises.

“The vast majority of premises comply with the law. The public appreciate the fact they can now go out to bars, restaurants and clubs and enjoy a smoke-free environment”, said Dr. Lindsay.

It has been stated mandatory for the licensed premises to serve smoke free indoor areas to their guests since December 2004 following amendments made in the act that suggests passive smoking can cause very serious illnesses among non-smokers as compared to the first-hand smokers and can prove decisive in damaging their health.