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October 11, 2002
City releases report on
smoking
Businesses, residents
agree to ban smoking in areas where children are allowed
After meeting with business owners and residents about smoking in Iqaluit,
city council has completed a report on the conclusions of the community members
present at two information sessions. The biggest one is keeping children away
from cigarettes and second-hand smoke.
There was no clear consensus between business owners who are opposed to a 100
per cent ban on smoking in drinking establishments and residents who support
a ban as soon as possible.
However, businesses that primarily serve food and residents agreed there should
be no smoking wherever children are allowed.
The report is mainly a compilation of ideas, with no solid recommendations.
It says setting a target date for public places to go smoke-free would give
business owners time to prepare. It also notes that having smoking and non-smoking
sections in an establishment is unacceptable to both business owners and residents,
as is the idea of separate ventilated areas because of the cost involved.
They agreed that smoking should be banned from entrance ways to public places
because of second-hand smoke concerns and second-hand butts, which are often
re-smoked by children.
Council expects a report from the Nunavut Bureau of Statistics within a month
based on a phone survey of 500 Iqaluit residents. A legal analysis is being
completed regarding no-smoking bylaws.
Another public meeting will be held at the end of the month, or in early November,
to release survey results. At that time, the city may be able to propose an
anti-smoking action plan.
A bylaw will then be drafted and taken to restaurant and bar owners for comment
before going to council for first reading.
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