Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 17/98) - If the review of the city smoking bylaw continues as it has to this point, home may soon be the only place to legally smoke indoors.

The city is considering a long overdue review of its smoking bylaw, which has not changed since it was introduced in 1993.

So far, all public input the city has garnered through two public meetings and written submissions has come from public health organizations and anti-smoking groups.

Their message has been crystal clear -- the city needs more restriction on smoking.

The chairman of the three-person committee overseeing the review agrees.

"I'm supportive of a ban in places where minors are allowed," McDonald said. "It's not only the exposure to second-hand smoke, it's exposure to the practice," added McDonald.

Committee member Peggy Near said she had no opinion one way or the other on the review, but said important public input has yet to appear.

"A concern I have is we are not hearing from anyone in the business community," said Near.

Business owners who feel they will be affected by changes to the bylaw should make themselves heard, she said.

Those who have offered their opinions have recommended a number of ways the smoking bylaw should be tightened up, among them:

• Ban smoking in all public places. The current bylaw allows smoking in bars, bingo halls, pool halls, bowling alleys and restaurants.

• Ban smoking in all indoor places where children under the age of 18 are allowed.

• Ban smoking in all places of employment. Currently workplace smoking is at the discretion of the employer.

• Stricter rules on the design of smoking areas in restaurants.

The bylaw is still more than a month from being changed. City staff are in the process of drafting amendments based on advice from the public and the committee.

The committee will review the draft and a final version will likely be considered by council next month.