Pitt Meadows Gets Tougher on Smokers

June 4, 2008

CITY OF PITT MEADOWS

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2008 - 10
June 4, 2008
For further information, call
Kim Grout, Director of Development Services
and Operations at 604-465-2420
kgrout@pittmeadows.bc.ca

PITT MEADOWS GETS TOUGHER ON SMOKERS

PITT MEADOWS, BC: . Pitt Meadows-the natural place-is getting tougher on smokers with recent changes to the City's Bylaw on Tobacco Sales and Smoking in Public Places.

The British Columbia Legislature unanimously passed a number of changes to the Tobacco Act, formerly the Tobacco Sales Act to limit the promotion and sale of tobacco products and to ban smoking in all indoor public places and work places. These changes came into effect March 31, 2008. The City of Pitt Meadows has gone beyond the current recommended standard and is encouraging other municipalities to follow suit.

In a resolution to the Lower Mainland Local Government Association and the Union of BC Municipalities Pitt Meadows Council advocated for the provincial government to further amend the Act to prohibit smoking or holding lighted tobacco in a patio attached to a public place. While the province did not ban smoking on patios many municipalities have moved in this direction.

In reviewing requests from the Canadian Cancer Society, Medical Health Officer's Council and the Fraser Health Authority, Council chose to have a buffer zone of at least 7.5 meters and prohibit smoking on hospitality patios. Pitt Meadows already bans smoking on school yards, and inside any part of a building, structure or vehicle or passenger conveyance, except in private places or private vehicles. Fines for contravening the bylaw range from $200-$300. Lesley Elchuk, Bylaw Enforcement Officer, in commenting on the changes said businesses have been complying. "I think everyone understands the health consequences and is prepared to do their part."

Complete copies of Tobacco Sales and Smoking in Public Places Regulations Bylaw No. 2358, 2008 is available online at www.pittmeadows.bc.caunder

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Pitt Meadows Gets Tougher on Smokers

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