Australia mulls ban on smoking in cars

SYDNEY, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- An Australian state government is studying the feasibility of imposing a smoking ban in cars because of the dangers of secondhand smoke.

The health minister of New South Wales in Sydney, John Hatzistergos called for the inquiry in response to a private member's bill calling for the smoking ban, the Australian Broadcasting Corp., reported.

Hatzistergos said the majority of cars are already smoke-free but a number of issues need further discussion, such as how to enforce a law.

An attempt to ban smoking in cars has been raised twice before in the New South Wales house, but failed both times.

Throughout Australia, smoking has been banned in bars and restaurants, and on some beaches and other public places as well.