Since the beginning of the year, it’s been illegal to smoke on any patio in Ontario, or within 20 metres of any playground or sports field.
So far, no charges have been laid under that law in Waterloo Region – possibly because a lack of warm weather has kept people away from those areas.
With parks and patios expected to be busier as spring arrives, regional officials expect things to ramp up in the coming weeks.
“We’re in that mode of trying to get the information out,” Angelo Apfelbaum, the region’s manager of licencing and enforcement, told CTV News.
Public health officials say they’ve heard a number of complaints from people unhappy with the new regulations, but also heard more positive comments from people glad they or their children won’t be exposed to unwanted smoke.
“(Tobacco use) has negative impacts for all kinds of folks, including those who don’t smoke but are exposed to the secondary smoke,” said Sharlene Sedgwick-Walsh, Region of Waterloo Public Health’s director of healthy living.
One misconception that has come up is which patios the changes apply to. The correct answer is ‘all patios’ – even ones where alcohol is not served.
Steve Campbell co-owns Morty’s Pub in Waterloo. He says there haven’t been any major issues as a result of the changes.
“Overall, people accept it. It hasn’t hurt business,” he said.
“If we see someone that actually does light up a cigarette on the patio, we’ll come over and ask them to extinguish the cigarette.”
In 2014, there were 27 charges issued for smoking infractions at Waterloo Region’s workplaces and public spaces, plus one charge for an infraction at a restaurant or bar.
Apfelbaum calls those numbers “fantastic” – as he does the 27 charges issued for selling tobacco to children, and one charge for improper display or promotion of tobacco products.
“That’s a very good figure for us to see. That means that message is out there,” he said.
Anyone caught violating the Smoke-Free Ontario Act faces a $250 fine, as well as $55 in court fees.
The changes to the act also include a ban on selling tobacco on college and university campuses.
Legislation currently making its way through Queen’s Park would call for all e-cigarettes to be regulated in the same fashion.
