The first part of his statement is more poignant than the second. This is not a new bylaw and this is not a new issue. The full bylaw bans smoking in bars, restaurants and bingo halls. Smith has pointed out that there have been problems enforcing the current rules, for example, that call for a 50 per cent smoking ban in restaurants. He may be right, but the clear, smokeless air around the full bylaw will make it easier to enforce.
Smoking is banned, period.
Indeed, the regional health department has 26 officers and expects soon to have two more who will help to enforce the bylaw. The department has also gone out of its way to inform bar owners and the public about the bylaw. Owners of bars who ignore the bylaw after Jan. 1 should expect some of their customers who do not smoke to complain to either the manager on duty, the health department, or both. Smokers have a right to breathe the foul air that comes from the end of a cigarette. But they do not have a right to spoil the air other people breathe in public places.