Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 10/99) - The proposed new smoking bylaw underwent a major last-minute change and now calls for a ban on smoking in restaurants, licensed dining rooms, clubs and private recreational facilities by the year 2001.

"I think it's a very positive move," said resident Ruby Trudel, who attended the Tuesday meeting of the works and public safety committee.

"I'm very pleased to see members of council who attended this meeting seem to be more realistically addressing the problem of the effects of smoking on the community," Trudel said.

The bylaw the committee considered was a watered down version of the one originally proposed. It called for a minimum of 30 per cent of seating in restaurants and licensed dining rooms be designated non-smoking.

"Thirty per cent is what we've got in the bylaw right now, so there's no improvement whatsoever," said Coun. Kevin O'Reilly.

O'Reilly proposed a phased-in ban that calls for 50 per cent of restaurants and licensed dining rooms be designated within six months of the bylaw passing. Non-smoking area would increase to 75 per cent within a year of the bylaw getting third reading. A total ban would take effect in two years.

The change was approved by the committee, but Coun. Blake Lyons had second thoughts about banning smoking in the Legion and the Elk's hall.

"If they want to have smoking in there, I wouldn't enjoy it, but it's their call," said Lyons. He said the two clubs are 'fraternal organizations' as opposed to organizations like the curling club and the golf club, which are open to any member of the public.

That didn't wash with Mayor Dave Lovell.

"You cannot be all things to all people," Lovell said. "I don't think we should worry about the Legion or Elks. If they don't like it they can come back and ask for an amendment."

Council will consider the bylaw Monday evening.

The resignation of Coun. Peggy Near, who was against a ban, may have an impact on voting.

Near was one of a group of three councillors who took a hard line against a ban. O'Reilly, Robert Slaven and Ben McDonald have consistently called for a ban.