HRM smoking ban should be broader

October 9, 2009

NO PARENT should feel their children must endure second-hand smoke, or their inquisitive toddlers must traverse cigarette butt-strewn grounds, just to go to a public park or beach.

In a perfect world, of course, that would never be a problem. All smokers would respect the rights of non-smokers, young and old, not to be exposed to the carcinogenic by-products of their habit.

Many smokers are, in fact, conscientious about where and when they smoke. The problem, unfortunately, is that too many others still either don't understand or don't care that their smoking is unfair to, and unhealthy for, bystanders.

So Halifax regional council was right to approve a policy this week, which we're happy to say was passed unanimously, to ban smoking at nearly 500 municipality-owned outdoor properties where children are often present.

These include sports fields, pools, playgrounds, beaches and skateboard parks. City councillors will work with staff to finalize a list during the next two months, before the restrictions come into effect.

We urge them to include the Public Gardens and Grand Parade.

The city will be rolling out a public education plan to inform people about the new rules and why they're important. Violators could be fined as much as $500.

Based on online reactions to the news, however, it seems some smokers will never be convinced that such restrictions are anything but more injustices heaped upon law-abiding citizens who happen to use tobacco.

Such criticism, beyond being self-serving, misses the point.

Parents would be irresponsible if they ignored clear, longstanding warnings from health care experts about the dangers of second-hand smoke and the toxicity of ingested cigarette butts.

Public opinion, as measured in numerous polls here and elsewhere, reflects the clear desire by a large majority for governments to enact laws and policies to ensure healthy, smoke-free public places.

As noted in HRM staff's report to council on the matter, more than 75 Canadian jurisdictions now have such outdoor smoking bans in place.

Some councillors also wanted smoking banned outdoors at Metro Transit bus stops. Smoking is now prohibited inside bus shelters and terminal buildings.

Given that children -- as well as many adults who are immediately affected by second-hand smoke, such as asthmatics -- ride buses, we think there's considerable merit in their proposal. Transit is a public service. As it stands now, many smokers puff away right beside other waiting commuters, for example at crowded terminals like the one at Dartmouth Sportsplex.

Smokers who argue that there are many other pollutants in the air are right, but that doesn't lead to the conclusion a known carcinogen should be ignored. On the contrary, it means more work needs to be done to further clear the air we all breathe.

Source: thechronicleherald.ca