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2001 News Releases

Smoking Regulation By-law Effective January 1

WINNIPEG - December 28, 2001 – Effective January 1, 2002, smoking in enclosed public places where anyone under 18 is allowed to be present will be prohibited in the City of Winnipeg. The City adopted this bylaw to protect and improve the quality of life for Winnipeg citizens by reducing their exposure to the harmful effects of second hand smoke. 

Common places affected by the by-law include bowling alleys, bingo halls, restaurants, community clubs and arcades, but the by-law extends to any enclosed public space where minors are permitted. Proprietors may allow smoking in portions of licensed premises that restrict children under 18 from being inside including beverage rooms, lounges and cabarets. Smoking may also be permitted in private clubs, rooms rented for private social functions, and guest rooms in hotels, motels and inns.

A mass media campaign consisting of billboards, television and newspaper ads was implemented in December and all Winnipeg businesses have been mailed an information package. The City of Winnipeg in partnership with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority has set up a telephone information line at 311. 

Brian Rivet, the City of Winnipeg Senior Environmental Health Officer, says the first priority is to educate those affected by the by-law. “Acceptance and compliance are essential for its success and a number of steps have been taken to inform the public and businesses.”

City of Winnipeg Environmental Health Services will be providing ongoing education for the public and business owners. Environmental Health Officers will also be responsible for spot-checks, handling complaints and laying charges. The City’s jurisdiction for enforcing the by-law extends to River Heights, Osborne Village, Fort Rouge, Wolseley, Crescentwood, downtown, the west end, the north end and Elmwood. The Province has agreed to enforce the by-law in the city suburbs under Provincial public health jurisdiction.

If issued, individual fines are set at a minimum of $100 for a first offence, a minimum of $200 for a second offence and $300 for third and all subsequent offences. The judge may issue a maximum fine of up to $1000.

Businesses are required to comply with no-smoking signage requirements and are also subject to fines, which range from a minimum of $100 for an individual owner up to a maximum of $5,000 for a corporation, depending on the circumstances.

It is to everyone’s benefit to support the new City of Winnipeg by-law to regulate smoking in enclosed public places. Second hand smoke is an extreme health hazard and the third leading cause of preventable death after smoking and drinking alcohol. Children exposed to second hand smoke are far more likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses including asthma, bronchitis and eye, nose and throat irritations. 

Reports of non-compliance with the by-law can be made to the City of Winnipeg’s Smoking Regulation Hotline at 311.

Last update: 01.02.2004

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