Cutline: Greater Sudbury Mayor Jim
Gordon, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe and Deputy Mayor
Louise Portelance mark the launch of the City of Greater Sudbury's
Smoke-Free Public Places and Workplaces By-law. As of Saturday, May 31st,
smoking will no longer be permitted in enclosed public places and
workplaces.
The
City of Greater Sudbury’s Smoke-Free Public Places and Workplaces By-law
2002-300 takes effect tomorrow. As of Saturday, May 31st,
smoking will no longer be permitted in enclosed public places and
workplaces. The by-law applies to bars, restaurants, bingo halls and other
places of public assembly, as well as staff lounges, lobbies, garages and
other areas of the workplace.
"Today we’re sending a clear message to the children of Greater
Sudbury," said Mayor Jim Gordon. "We’re saying we recognize
the health hazards of second-hand smoke, and we’re doing something about
it. We’re saying you have a right to breathe clean air whenever you
enter a public building or a workplace."
"The City of Greater Sudbury is implementing one of the most
comprehensive smoke-free by-laws in the province," said Councillor
Gerry McIntaggart, Chair of the Sudbury & District Board of Health.
"Council is committed to making our City a healthy community for all
residents."
Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health for the Sudbury &
District Health Unit, commended City Council for their support of the
Smoke-free By-law. "The City of Greater Sudbury is on its way to
becoming a healthier place to live and work," she said. "The
hazards of second-hand smoke are well documented. We’re proud to be part
of a process that will protect the well-being of workers and citizens
throughout the community."
A temporary exception to the By-law has been granted to public places
with separately ventilated smoking areas which were in operation and in
compliance with the former smoking by-law prior to October 24, 2002.
Businesses may continue to operate these separately ventilated smoking
areas for customer use until May 31, 2004.
Businesses may designate outdoor smoking areas, including outdoor
patios, provided the smoking area is at least 9 metres (30 feet) away from
entrances. Outdoor patios which permit smoking cannot be enclosed.
Outdoor smoking areas and patios located on public sidewalks are not
regulated by the Smoke-Free By-law; however, businesses must obtain a
street occupancy permit before they can open a sidewalk patio.
Starting June 2, By-law Enforcement Officers will visit as many local
business establishments as possible during peak customer hours, said Bryan
Gutjahr, Manager of By-law Enforcement Services.
"Our focus during the first month of the Smoke-Free By-law will be
information and education for business owners, managers, employees and
customers," he continued. "We’re a resource for the business
community. We’re here to help with a smooth transition to smoke-free
public places and workplaces.
Business owners who contravene the Smoke-Free by-law could be issued a
warning for the first offence and an out of court fine of $250 for a
second offence. A third offence will result in a charge under the
Provincial Offences Act which carries a mandatory court appearance and a
maximum fine of $5,000.
