Smokers were mandatory to light up outside across much of eastern Canada Wednesday, as one of North America's most restrictive bans went into effect.

Smoking already has been banned from most workplaces across Canada but the ban in Ontario and Quebec now extended to public places in general, including bars, restaurants and schools. The ban also calls on employers to close designated smoking rooms and requires retailers to ask for identification from cigarette buyers if they appear younger than 25.

Though similar bans exist in some American states, few are as restrictive as the bans launched Wednesday in Ontario and Quebec, as per anti-smoking advocates on both sides of the border.

"We are very pleased we finally have province-wide legislation protecting all workers and the public from second-hand smoke," said Peter Goodhand, head of the Ontario division of the Canadian Cancer Society. "This landmark piece of legislation is one of the toughest in North America and will save lives".



Posted by: Emily    Source

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