What is included in the Smoke-Free Ontario Act?

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act will prohibit smoking in all enclosed public places that are not primarily a place of residence as of May 31, 2006. This will include restaurants, bars, private clubs, healthcare facilities, public schools, private schools, university and college residences, sports arenas, entertainment venues, work vehicles and all offices including government buildings.

Smoking will also be prohibited in all enclosed workplaces in order to ensure that all workers will be protected.
The Act also limits the sale, distribution and use of tobacco products, including stricter measures to ensure only those 19 years of age and older can buy cigarettes. It will also ban all countertop displays at retail outlets and prohibit the promotion of tobacco products at entertainment venues.

There are exceptions for residential care facilities (retirement homes and supportive housing residences) in the Act, however if you have a municipal by-law in place that prohibits smoking in these places, smoking will still not be allowed.

Hotels, motels or inns that meet certain conditions in the Act may also be an exception. However, if you have a municipal by-law in place that prohibits smoking in these places, smoking will still not be allowed.