[Intl-tobacco] Canada: Newfoundland set to snuff out public smoking

[Robert Weissman]

Newfoundland set to snuff out public smoking
Source: Canadian Press, Wednesday, 12/6/00

ST. JOHN'S, Nfld. --Ê The Newfoundland government plans to introduce a new
law that would make it the first province to ban smoking in restaurants,
malls and other public places where children gather.

 The proposed ban would go into effect Jan. 1, 2002, provincial Health
Minister Roger Grimes said yesterday when he introduced several measures
aimed at reducing smoking.

"We have a responsibility to protect our citizens from the health risks
associated with second-hand smoke and to discourage our young people from
acquiring this dangerous habit," Grimes said.

 At least 45 municipalities across Canada, including Toronto, Vancouver
and Ottawa, have already introduced bylaws that prohibit smoking in
restaurants.

 A similar law in British Columbia was struck down by the courts in March
after a protracted public battle.

 In the United States, California, Vermont, Maine and Utah all have
statewide bans on smoking in restaurants.

 Still, Newfoundland deserves credit for doing what B.C. failed to do,
said Rob Cunningham, senior policy analyst with the Canadian Cancer
Society in Ottawa.

 "This is excellent from a health perspective," he said. "Second-hand
smoke is harmful, especially to children, and there's no need for them to
be exposed to the poisons and the toxins."

 Predictably, the new ban has infuriated restaurant owners whose industry
association has already warned of slower business and layoffs.

 Yvonne Power, executive director of Hospitality Newfoundland and
Labrador, said the industry needs more time to adjust to the ban, which
won't apply to bars and bingo halls.

 Still, the provincial government is pushing ahead with other amendments
to existing anti-tobacco laws, including a clause that would ban the sale
of tobacco in pharmacies.

 Four other provinces - Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia -
already have such a ban in place.

 Meanwhile, Newfoundland's justice minister said the Liberal government
would join Ontario and B.C. in seeking compensation from the tobacco
industry for health costs associated with smoking-related illnesses.