PEI proposes ban on designated smoking rooms

CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI-Changes to Prince Edward Island's smoke-free legislation would ban smoking rooms in the province, which is good news for PEI Health Minister Doug Currie.

The province is looking to strengthen and update its smoking ban policies, which have not been changed since 2003.

"PEI is the only province that still permits designated smoking rooms in public places, such as restaurants and bars," said Currie, in a statement.

"The act is over five years old and needs to be updated. We know that there is no safe level of exposure to second hand smoke and it's time to make our legislation more current to reflect the changes needed."

Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association Atlantic vice-president Luc Erjavec said he hopes that the government is open to discussion on the proposed changes.

"It (smoking rooms) is an important part of their (the owners) business. They work well," Erjavec said, adding that the actual number of smoking rooms on the Island is only a "handful."

Of greater concern for bar and restaurant owners is the number of outdoor decks and patios that are under consideration for new regulations. Smoking bans could create issues for these places.

Current exceptions to the act, introduced by Currie in April, permit smoking in public spaces and workplaces, but they would be eliminated if the proposed changes pass.

The minister also wants a limit on outdoor smoking on the decks and patios of licensed restaurants and bars, areas where patrons can now legally light up.

"Consultations will take place to discuss how the legislation will be implemented," said Currie.

"Any changes to the current legislation that impact business owners will be phased in to give them time to comply with amendments to the Act."

If the legislation goes through, PEI will join Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and Alberta, who already have an outright ban on smoking on patios and decks attached to a restaurant or bar.

Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia currently have laws on the books that forbid smoking on partially enclosed restaurant patios and decks.