Q. When does the smoking ban in enclosed public places come into effect?

The ban came into effect on January 1, 2005.

Q. What is a public place?

The ban prohibits smoking in enclosed public places. "Enclosed public place" as defined in the Act means "all or any part of a building or other enclosed public place or conveyance to which the public has access as of right or by express or implied invitation and includes:

• an outdoor bus shelter;
• a public building or facility, or any part of a public building or facility, that is rented out for private events;
• a vehicle that:
  *is used or made available for public transit or as a commercial vehicle; and
  *is used to transport members of the public;
  but only during any period that the vehicle is made available for hire, including any break periods;
• a building, enclosed place or facility owned or leased by a private club that restricts admission to members and guests; and
• any prescribed building, place, facility or vehicle or class of prescribed building, places, facilities or vehicles."

Some examples are: Bars, billiard halls, bingo halls, bowling centres, casinos, restaurants, private clubs, retail stores and taxis.

Q. Who will enforce the smoke-free ban?

Public Health Inspectors in the province's health regions are designated to enforce the smoke-free public place provisions of The Tobacco Control Act.

Q. How will the ban affect the municipal bylaws in Moose Jaw, Humboldt, Yorkton and Saskatoon ?

Municipalities have the authority to create and enforce bylaws to restrict smoking in outdoor places, such as open air sports grounds and stadiums, entrance to public buildings, outdoor patios or common areas of residential buildings.

If a municipal bylaw exceeds provincial standards for smoking, the higher standard prevails. If you have questions or concerns related to your local bylaw and the provincial Tobacco Control Act please contact your local Health Region.

Q. Why are municipalities being given jurisdiction to enact bylaws to restrict smoking in outdoor places such as open air sports grounds, etc.?

Municipalities are showing leadership in the area of smoke-free public places and this provides them with the opportunity to go above and beyond the Act.

Providing municipalities with this authority enables them to pass bylaws that reflect the views and interests of the local community.

Q. Why are private clubs among the smoke-free public places?

Our goal is to denormalize smoking in Saskatchewan, to reduce the use of tobacco and to thereby improve the health of Saskatchewan residents.

Prohibiting smoking in private clubs provides a level playing field with other hospitality establishments in our province and protects people from the hazards of second-hand smoke.

To allow smoking in private clubs could have a major negative impact on other bars and restaurants subject to smoking restrictions.

Q. Why have you not included outdoor patios in the smoking ban?

The Tobacco Control Act does not include a ban on smoking on outdoor patios. However, municipalities have the authority to enact bylaws to restrict smoking in outdoor places, including outdoor patios. In such an instance, the stricter law applies.

Q. Will Designated Smoking Rooms (DSRs) be permitted in public places?

Designated Smoking Rooms are not allowed under The Tobacco Control Act in enclosed public places.

We do not believe that Designated Smoking Rooms (DSRs) are an effective solution to the problem of second-hand smoke in public establishments.

DSRs do not support our goal to denormalize smoking in Saskatchewan, to reduce the use of tobacco and to thereby improve the health of Saskatchewan residents.

Permitting DSRs creates an uneven playing field among public establishments. Some owners may be able to afford to build them, while others may not.

Ventilation systems must be carefully maintained and can break down. The door to the DSR will have to be opened when people enter and exit the room, allowing second-hand smoke to enter the rest of the establishment. When DSRs become too smoky, their doors are sometimes left open, allowing second-hand smoke to enter the rest of the establishment.

Q. Where can I get more information?

A copy of The Tobacco Control Act is available on the Saskatchewan Government, Queen's Printer Web Site.

If you would like more information about the provisions of The Tobacco Control Act please contact the Tobacco Enquiry Line at 306-787-3084.