Canada’s second largest province has banned smoking at outdoor patios at bars and restaurants, sports fields, playgrounds and ice rinks. The law, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2015, carries a $250 fine. The law does not ban smoking at public parks in the province, although some local governments have passed laws doing just that. In addition, the sale of tobacco products will now be illegal on college campuses throughout the province. Previously, Ontario was one of two provinces that has considered banning flavored tobacco sales in the province, something the new legislation does not address. Ontario has a population of nearly 13 million and includes the cities of Toronto, Ottawa and Niagara Falls. Two years ago, Toronto examined expanding its smoking ban to exclude smoking at outdoor bar and restaurant patios.
↧