Government introduces new smoke-free legislation to protect public health

New legislation banning smoking in all indoor public places including bars and bingo halls will give Newfoundlanders and Labradorians greater protection from the devastating health effects of second-hand smoke, acting Health and Community Services Minister Loyola Sullivan announced today.

"The new Smoke-Free Environment Act furthers our commitment to strengthen public health and build a healthier future for the people of our province. We�re confident that a large majority of residents support what we�re doing," said Minister Sullivan. "This is not about dollars and cents; it�s about exercising common sense. It�s an important step for public health and an attack on preventable death and disease."

The proposed legislation entitled the Smoke-Free Environment Act 2005 (Bill 20) would prohibit smoking in all enclosed public places effective July 1, 2005. This would include bingo halls and licensed liquor establishments inclusive of outdoor decks and patios of establishments licensed under the Food and Drug Act and premises licensed under the Liquor Control Act. In addition, the act would cover previously banned areas such as food establishments, health care facilities, hotel/motel common areas, public libraries, recreation centres, transportation terminals, schools, hospitals, day cares and taxis.

The proposed act would also prohibit designated smoking rooms and reaffirm penalties between $50 and $500 for individuals convicted of smoking in prohibited areas and fines between $500 and $5,000 for owners, operators or employers, who permit smoking in his/her establishment. In addition, establishments licensed under the Liquor Control Act can have their liquor licence revoked if convicted in violation of the act.

"We applaud the provincial government for taking this huge step in protecting the people of this province from the devastating effects of second-hand smoke. Each year, over 100 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians die from exposure to cigarette smoke," said Kevin Coady, executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Alliance for the Control of Tobacco (ACT). "ACT believes that this legislation will also lead to a reduction in tobacco use by the people of our province. We look forward to working with government to ensure the successful implementation of this progressive legislation."

Dr. Andrew Major, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, congratulated government on legislation that would ban smoking in the province�s bars and bingo halls in the coming months.

"The legislation government has put forward today will ensure the health and safety of employees in the hospitality sector and their patrons. Government�s commitment to a 100 per cent smoke-free Newfoundland and Labrador will prevent illness and save lives. Scientific and clinical evidence is clear and undisputed � tobacco kills. We must do all we can to help smokers break this extremely addictive habit. We must do all we can to protect people from the dangerous health effects of smoking and second-hand smoke," said Dr. Major.

"The physicians of the province, through the NLMA, will continue to work with government to implement its tobacco reduction strategy and to support public policies that contribute to the health and well-being of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," Dr. Major added.

A series of public consultations chaired by Ross Wiseman, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Health and Community Services, were held in February, providing an opportunity for individuals and organizations to comment on the pending legislation.

"Government has received wide-spread support for this initiative from a variety of organizations. One resounding message we heard throughout the consultations period was to proceed with the smoking ban as soon as possible," added Mr. Wiseman.

The smoke-free legislation reflects the growing trend across the country to move toward a healthier, smoke-free society. The provinces of Manitoba, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, along with the Northwest Territories and Nunavut have implemented smoke-free legislation. The Province of Quebec has also recently announced its intention to proceed with similar legislation and Ontario currently has a comprehensive smoking-ban bill before the legislature. Worldwide, countries such as Britain and Iceland have announced plans for smoke-free public places. Ireland is already smoke-free.

Minister Sullivan expressed his thanks for all partners in tobacco control across the province who have played a prominent role in supporting the government in its efforts to bring forth this legislation. The Smoke Free Environment Act 2005 was tabled on May 10, 2005 and must complete second and third reading in the House of Assembly before becoming law.

Media contact: Carolyn Chaplin, Communications (709) 729-1377, 682-5093

2005 05 12                                     12:05 p.m.