There's a belief extending the smokefree area at bars and pubs will only turn away customers.

Research by the University of Otago has suggested the move as a way to curb the trend of social smokers.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson says operators are already struggling.

"We have lost some client who are now drinking and smoking in garage bars and so on, and that would certainly exacerbate that trend."

Mr Robertson says it's perfectly reasonable to accommodate both smokers and non-smokers.

But he stubbing out smoking is not a priority.

"The industry's a bit really hard to be able to accommodate our smokers as well as our non-smokers. They've created outdoor areas which conform to the requirements of the Ministry of Health and we simply don't think there's demand amongst our consumers for it." 

Mr Robertson says the hospitality industry's job is to meet the needs of customers, and make it easy for everyone to access the outlets they desire.