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. This bylaw is about health.
Secondhand smoke is either harmful or potentially harmful.
Instead of fighting this bylaw, bar owners should try to make sure their customers know about it. If anything, they should be trying to deflect any criticism from smokers onto the region's politicians. The health department may issue warnings the first time infractions occur, but it should not shy away from laying charges if this is required. Send a letter to The Record .