A new bylaw in Williams Lake will extend smoking bans in and around public buildings and during special outdoor events.
At its regular meeting Feb. 24, city council unanimously adopted a smoke-free bylaw that will prohibit smoking on civic-owned property and municipal streets during temporary road closures for public events such as parades or street parties.
When new signs are put in place citing the bylaw they will stipulate a 7.5 metre “smoke free” buffer zone near areas such as playgrounds, playing fields, the beach at Scout Island, bus shelters, the cemetery, and outdoor recreational structures, such as bleachers at a ball field.
City planner Chris Hutton in a report to council said the bylaw office has warned it will be hard to enforce the ban. However, Hutton told the Tribune he is hopeful through public education and signage the new rules will be respected.
There is a maximum fine of $100 associated with infractions.
Smoking as defined by the new bylaw means to inhale, exhale, burn, or have control over a lighted cigar, cigarette, electronic cigarette, hookah-pipe, pipe, or other lighted smoking implement designed to burn or heat tobacco or any other substance for the purpose of inhaling or tasting of its smoke or emissions. The ban, however, does not apply to smoking for Aboriginal ceremonial, cultural, spiritual, or traditional purposes.