Tough new tobacco act will ban smoking in public places, buildings
Smokers in British Columbia will soon be forbidden from smoking in or near public places, including public doorways and near windows, after a tough anti-smoking legislation was announced yesterday.
The Tobacco Sales Amendment Act also bans smoking in restaurants, bars, government buildings and schools.
Even B.C. smokers lining up to take public transit could be affected, according to Health Minister George Abbott.
"I think a bus shelter would be a public place and I believe, under the terms of this legislation, you would not be able to smoke in a bus shelter," he said.
Abbott added that some people will see the new rules as intrusive, but that public opinion will side with the government.
The legislation also calls for a ban on the display of cigarettes and tobacco-related products in places visible or accessible to people under 19.
This means "power walls" — floor-to-ceiling tobacco displays —lighters, hats, countertop displays and signs will have to be hidden.
The aim of the new law is to limit the promotion and sale of tobacco. But Vancouver convenience store owner, John (who did not want his last name used), who runs a store on Davie and Howe streets, said hiding cigarettes from view won’t deter people from smoking.
"It’s nonsense," he said. "It’ll just give more headaches for the customers and the retailers."
John said roughly 25 per cent of his downtown business comes from the sale of cigarettes.
He added that if the government really wanted people to stop smoking, it should just make it illegal.
Most of the new rules will take effect next spring, but smoking will be forbidden on school grounds by September.
Designated smoking rooms in bars and restaurants will also likely be dismantled. The bill will not apply to restaurant and pub patios that are not enclosed.
Philip Fyfe, who was smoking yesterday outside the Yaletown building where he works, said the new legislation won’t change his habits.
"I’m OK with that, and I agree with not smoking in doorways," said Fyfe.
He then took a step from the doorway onto the sidewalk to show where he will smoke once the new law comes into place.
With files from Canadian Press