During the December 5 Council meeting, councillors from the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga, and the Town of Caledon endorsed a recommendation from the Medical Officer of Health for a regional by-law that goes beyond the existing municipal smoke-free by-laws.

“Designated smoking rooms do not protect the health of children brought inside by adult parents and guardians, or hospitality workers who must work in the rooms,” said Dr. David McKeown, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel. “A regional smoke-free by-law supporting 100 per cent smoke-free public places will provide the greatest health benefit to the residents, workers and children of Peel.”

Under the current municipal by-laws, all restaurants, dinner theatres, banquet halls and food courts in the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga, and the Town of Caledon are smoke-free or have a separately ventilated smoking room. No person under the age of 19 is permitted in establishments designated as a bar or tavern. On June 1, 2004, billiard and bingo halls, casinos, bars, taverns and nightclubs must be smoke-free or provide an enclosed, separately ventilated smoking room.

The regional draft by-law will be presented to Regional Council in early 2003. Public consultation will follow. For more information, call Health Line Peel at 905-799-7700 or visit www.region.peel.on.ca.