Smoke-Free Places Update

Nearly 2,000 inspections were completed across the province in December to enforce new regulations protecting Nova Scotians from second-hand smoke in public places and workplaces.

Amendments to the Smoke-Free Places Act, which came into effect Dec. 1, ban smoking in all indoor public areas and workplaces as well as outdoor eating and drinking establishments.

Inspectors from the departments of Health Promotion and Protection, Agriculture and Environment, and Labour issued six verbal warnings and two written warnings. No charges have been laid under the Smoke-Free Places Act to date.

The inspections included licensed establishments, restaurants, indoor workplaces and public spaces.

The Department of Health Promotion and Protection responded to 300 complaints and public queries made to the toll-free public information line in December. The majority of complaints concerned individuals smoking outside within four metres of a building entrance.

"We are pleased with the level of compliance and with the public support for the changes," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection.

"We will work with owners and managers of workplaces and public places to ensure compliance. But if we see they are not taking responsibility, we have the legal tools to bring them into compliance, including fines, warnings and the ability to revoke licences."

Mr. Barnet said initial inspections focused on smoking in indoor places but, as the weather warms, there will be an increased focus on outdoor eating and drinking establishments.

The amendments to the Smoke-Free Places Act were made in response to the many Nova Scotians who asked for a complete smoking ban in public places and workplaces. Nova Scotia now has the toughest anti-smoking legislation in the country.

Health Promotion and Protection will issue an update on its compliance efforts in April. That update will include data on inspections from January to March.