Ontario to ban smoking on patios, playgrounds 0

TORONTO-

Ontario will ban smoking on bar and restaurant patios, playgrounds and public sports fields as of Jan. 1, Associate Health Minister Dipika Damerla announced Friday.

The sale of tobacco on college and university campuses will also be outlawed, she said.

The Ontario government is committed to having the lowest smoking rates in the country, Damerla said.

Today is another step in that direction, she said, adding she didnt expect that banning smoking on bars and patios would have a negative impact on the businesses.

The changes will be in effect when the Toronto region plays host to tourists from around the world for the 2015 Pan Am Games.

The amendments to the Smokefree Ontario Act will supersede existing municipal bylaws if more permissive and will cover all publicly owned sports surfaces and will extend to spectators as well.

For example, this includes areas for basketball or soccer, ice rinks, tennis courts, splash pads and swimming pools that are owned by a municipality, the province or a post-secondary institution, Damerla said. The prohibition extends to spectator areas around sports fields and a 20-metre radius around sports fields and their spectator areas. It also includes childrens playgrounds at motels, hotels and inns.

Michael Perley, director of the Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco, said the provincial rules create a level playing field for all businesses.

Under the current provincial legislation, smoking is permitted on uncovered bar and restaurant patios.

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Ontario to ban smoking on patios, playgrounds 0