UBCM delegates call for expanded smoking ban

VICTORIA (NEWS1130) - Mayors and councillors from across the province are pushing for an expanded smoking ban in BC.

The resolution at the Union of BC Municipalities convention calls for a province-wide ban on smoking at beaches, parks, outdoor public events, and even patios.

It's something the Canadian Cancer Society has been pushing for for years. Kathryn Seely with the society says four other provinces have already a similar law in place.

"Particles in smoke don't disappear from the air until one is over seven metres away from the person who is smoking. So, there is a medical case to protect children and workers of bars and restaurants," she maintains.

"One is likely to smoke less and hopefully want to quit more [if] children don't see someone smoking and think that smoking is normal. So, it helps to denormalize smoking," adds Seely.

The resolution will now be sent to the BC government for consideration; the Canadian Cancer Society will continue to lobby province as well. Seely is hoping it will get on the agenda soon.

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UBCM delegates call for expanded smoking ban