Smoking rules could be tighter by start of April
Von buycigarettes, 12:28Smoking in Edmonton could be further restricted April 1 under a proposed bylaw preventing people from lighting up near playgrounds and other outdoor amenities for children. The new rules introduce a $250 fine for anyone caught puffing with-in 10 metres of playgrounds, spray parks, skate parks, skating rinks and sports fields, which doesn't include golf courses. The move, designed to protect children's health and reduce the chance of them taking up the tobacco habit, sounds like a workable idea, Coun. Karen Leibovici said Thursday.
"I'm sure most parents that go to a playground with their children don't sit and smoke in front of them." While she wants to know how the 10-metre boundary will be defined, she said ashtrays might be installed a suitable distance away from the play areas to become a gathering place for smokers. "I think (a bylaw) sends a message and just reinforces that not everyone is comfortable with having smokers beside them, yet recognizes that smoking is legal and we need to ensure public space is utilized properly."
A three-year, $75,000 public awareness strategy will be developed in support of the new rules, along with help from health groups and possibly restaurant chains or sports shops catering to youngsters, a re-port says. While it isn't practical to dispatch bylaw officers to complaints because smoking is a "transient" activity, they might patrol problem areas if required, it says. Coun. Kerry Diotte, the only councillor to vote against the proposal when it was debated in principle last fall, said he still believes the tighter rules are not necessary.
He's also concerned extra bylaw officers will eventually be hired to enforce the bylaw, adding to the city's costs. "I think we're just getting a little carried away when most of this can be solved with common sense and common courtesy," said Diotte, a former smoker. "It's certainly not the pressing issue I'm hearing about compared to clearing streets and fixing potholes." The proposed bylaw will be discussed Monday by council's community services committee, but must be passed by city council the following week before becoming law.
