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Delta banning smoking in public parks, open spaces

Revamped bylaw includes electronic cigarettes as well
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Delta is banning smoking from its parks and open spaces

DELTA — If you're a smoker living in Delta, now's a really good time to quit.

That goes for those who puff on electronic cigarettes as well.

Municipal council gave third-reading approval Monday to a bylaw prohibiting smoking in Delta's parks and other open spaces.

"I think it's really for the benefit of people's health, whether you are the smoker or the receiver," said Mayor Lois Jackson. "I think it's a good new year's resolution, good for your health, good for your family."

On Monday, council rescinded the old smoking bylaw but kept some elements of it and added Delta parks and open spaces to the no-smoking areas.

The fines for breaking the bylaw are potentially immense — "not more than $10,000."

Jackson said "that's probably cumulative."

A $200 fine is more likely. That's what smokers will face if they get caught lighting up in a common public area — defined as areas in a building or multiple-unit dwelling such as hallways, foyers, stairways, elevators, laundry rooms and such.

Sparking up in a taxi, mall or on a bus?

$200 fine.

Puffing in a restaurant, store, casino, workplace?

$200 fine.

And that's not only for the smoke, but also a proprietor who permits someone to smoke.

The exception is a designated smoking area in a pub or bar, and in a private club.

Ken Kuntz, Delta's director of parks, recreation and culture development, told council in a report that the move "will help contribute to and promote a healthy, smoke-free society, and at the same time support smoke-free programs implemented by other adjacent communities."

Delta Communications Manager Vedran Djordjevic said the bylaw will need to go the minister of health before council can give its final approval early in the new year.

tom.zytaruk@thenownewspaper.com



About the Author: Tom Zytaruk

I write unvarnished opinion columns and unbiased news reports for the Surrey Now-Leader.
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