FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 12, 2017
Perth County ̶ Summer weather has arrived, which means local parks are filled with children playing and patios are packed with customers!
The Perth District Health Unit reminds all residents of the amendments that were made to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act in January 2015, which ban smoking on bar and restaurant patios. This includes temporary patio seating, such as picnic tables, that are set-up near food trucks and concession stands during special events. It is also illegal to smoke within 20 metres of publicly-owned sports fields, adjacent spectator areas and children’s playgrounds.
These regulatory amendments ensure that all Ontario communities benefit from the same level of protection against exposure to second-hand smoke and tobacco use.
Having smoke-free outdoor laws achieve many important tobacco-control goals, including:
- Protecting people from second-hand smoke
- Increasing motivation for smokers to quit or cut back
- Decreasing negative role modelling for children and youth
- Protecting the environment and reducing litter.
For more information:
- To learn more about the Smoke-Free Ontario Act or to report a smoking offence, call 519-271-7600 extension 772 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 extension 772.
- To book an appointment at the free Stop Smoking Clinic, call 519-271-7600 extension 722 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 extension 722.
- Visit www.pdhu.on.ca
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