Now that patio season is here, the Peterborough County-City Health Unit is reminding residents that all outdoor restaurant patios are now smoke-free.
Changes to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act took effect on January 1, 2015, that ban smoking on outdoor patios. The fine for breaking the law is at least $305,and up to $1000.
Restaurant owners and operators and individual smokers are responsible for complying with the legislation.
The Peterborough County-City Health Unit’s Tobacco Enforcement Officer (TEO) has the ability to charge those who contravene the law.
If there’s evidence of smoking — or complaints about smoking on patios — then those involved could receive a fine.
“People are starting to enjoy the patio season and some may not be aware that the law has changed since last summer,” explains Courtney Howe, the Health Unit’s TEO. “We don’t want any confusion about the fact that all restaurant patios are now smoke free.”
The changes to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act also includes a ban on smoking within 20 metres of children’s playgrounds and sports fields. Parks are also 100% smoke free.
If you see people smoking in a prohibited area in the City or County of Peterborough, the Health Unit encourages you to contact the TEO directly at 705-743-1000 ext. 245.
In Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit has been working closely with bar and restaurant owners and employees to help prepare them for the smoking ban on patios. No smoking signs and resources about the Smoke-Free Ontario Act changes have been provided to some establishments already and will continue to be distributed to the remaining establishments to ensure they are aware of their roles and responsibilities.
The Tobacco Control Officers for HKPR District Health Unit are Kris Kadwell (705-457-1391) and Lorne Jordan (905-885-9100).
Note that electronic cigarettes (“vaping”) are not covered by the changes to the provincial legislation; only tobacco products are included. However, individual municipalities may have by-laws covering the use of electronic cigarettes in public places and individual businesses may have their own policies.
