Individuals

On March 31, 2008, virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces will be smoke-free.

This means that it will be against the law to smoke in any indoor public place or worksite, including pubs, bars, restaurants, and shopping centres. In addition, there will be a 3 metre non-smoking “buffer zone” around public and work place doorways, opening windows and air intakes. Designated smoking rooms will be a thing of the past.

Public transit, transit shelters, taxis and work vehicles will also be smoke-free.

Q. When will the new tobacco-free laws come into effect?
Q. What is the distance around the doorways, opening windows or air intakes of public or work places where smoking is not permitted?
Q. I know that I cannot smoke inside my workplace, but can I smoke in an outdoor shelter provided by my employer?
Q. Is smoking in transit shelters permitted if they are not substantially enclosed?
Q. Can I smoke in my private vehicle or in my house?
Q. I live in an apartment building. Will I still be able to smoke there?
Q. Will I be able to smoke in my hotel room when I travel?
Q. I am a resident in a long term care home. Will I be able to smoke in my room?
Q. Who do I make a complaint to if I find someone smoking where they should not be smoking?

When will the new tobacco-free laws come into effect?
The new tobacco-free laws will come into effect on March 31, 2008.

What is the distance around the doorways, opening windows or air intakes of public or work places where smoking is not permitted?
The distance is 3 metres.
This “buffer zone” will not apply to patios used in conjunction with a public place where food or beverages are being served, or to casino or bingo hall patios, provided that:

• the patio is not fully or substantially enclosed;
• the doorways are kept closed except to enter or exit the patio, and
• windows or air intakes are closed at all times when the patio is in use.

I know that I cannot smoke inside my workplace, but can I smoke in an outdoor shelter provided by my employer?
Some employers may choose to provide an area outside of the indoor work area to accommodate their employees who smoke. However, this outdoor area must be open enough that it would not be considered a substantially enclosed space, as defined by the new tobacco regulations.

Is smoking in transit shelters permitted if they are not substantially enclosed?
Smoking in transit shelters will not be allowed, regardless of their configuration. However, the 3 metre buffer zone around the transit shelter will not apply.

Can I smoke in my private vehicle or in my house?
Yes, you can smoke in your private vehicle or house, provided it is not a workplace.

I live in an apartment building. Will I still be able to smoke there?
You will be able to smoke in your apartment but not in the common areas, such as the elevators, hallways, parking garages, party or entertainment rooms, laundry facilities, lobbies and exercise areas, or in the buffer zones around public or work space buffer zones.

Will I be able to smoke in my hotel room when I travel?
Yes, you will be able to smoke in your hotel room (although this will depend on the particular hotel and whether your room is a non-smoking room).

You will not be able to smoke in the common areas of hotels such as lobbies, hallways, and restaurants.

You will not be able to smoke within 3 metres of the doorways to the hotel, or within 3 metres of any open windows or air intakes around the hotel.

I am a resident in a long term care home. Will I be able to smoke in my room?
Residents or persons in care of facilities licensed or registered under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, and patients in extended care facilities or private hospitals (refer to Sec 1 and Part 2 of the Hospital Act) will be able to smoke in designated smoking rooms (if provided). Staff and visitors will not be able to smoke in these rooms.

Municipalities, health authorities or the facility itself may have more stringent restrictions in place and those restrictions would apply.

Who do I make a complaint to if I find someone smoking where they should not be smoking?
After March 31, 2008, you can complain to the person in charge of the space (e.g. business owner), or to your regional Health Authority.

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