Anti smoking sentiment in New Zealand is ever increasing and the extension of smoking bans has received public support with over 50% of respondents to the 2008 Health and Lifestyles Survey wanting an end to tobacco sales within 10 years. Perhaps spurred on by public support and by figures which show the billion dollar revenue from cigarette taxes is outweighed by a 1.5 billion dollar burden on the health sector; the latest New Zealand government development has been to extend the smoking ban in prisons to a total ban for prisoners including the possession of any incendiary devices.
Prison staff will be permitted to smoke outside only. Corrections Minister Judith Collins announced the policy would take effect from July 2011.
Domestically, the reaction to Collins announcement has been divided and internationally similar initiatives have shown mixed results regarding cessation levels. Opponents outline very real risks for the development of black market tobacco, an encroachment on civil liberties, and increased prison violence; while proponents outline flow on effects which include a potential for crime reduction, reduced methamphetamine and marijuana use, and lower health risks and costs. These varied responses require further investigation to ascertain whether this policy a knee jerk reaction which could cause more harm than good, or whether it a positive step in eliminating smoking numbers in New Zealand. Further empirical data is required to gauge levels of Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) reduction and cessation rates after leaving prison; as greater benefits to the economy will result from a reduction in ETS and a sustained reduction in tobacco smokers.
Although the importance of smoking restrictions in the workplace and public spaces has been well documented, information regarding smoking bans in prisons is limited. Regardless of the opinion one has about extending smoking bans to prisons a report of this nature, placed within a comparative context, is essential in highlighting potential policy benefits and risks. The knowledge of such outcomes can not only be used to guide policy development and help in decision making regarding the acceptability or effectiveness of policy; but it can assist with improved policy implementation mitigating potential risks.