Out of nearly 2,000 inspections, only eight warnings issued
Nova Scotia inspectors completed nearly 2,000 inspections in December to enforce new regulations banning smoking in public places and workplaces.
Inspectors from the departments of Health Promotion and Protection, Agriculture and Environment and Labour issued six verbal warnings and two written warnings. No charges have been laid under the Smoke-Free Places Act to date.
The inspections included licensed establishments, restaurants, indoor workplaces and public spaces.
Amendments to the Smoke-Free Places Act, which came into effect on Dec. 1, ban smoking in all indoor public areas and workplaces as well as outdoor eating and drinking establishments.
The Department of Health Promotion and Protection responded to 300 complaints and public queries made to the toll-free public information line in December. The majority of complaints concerned individuals smoking outside within four metres of a building entrance.
"We are pleased with the level of compliance and with the public support for the changes," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection.
"We will work with owners and managers of workplaces and public places to ensure compliance. But if we see they are not taking responsibility, we have the legal tools to bring them into compliance, including fines, warnings and the ability to revoke licences."
Initial inspections focused on smoking in indoor places but there will be an increased focus on outdoor eating and drinking establishments as the weather warms.
Inspectors from the departments of Health Promotion and Protection, Agriculture and Environment and Labour issued six verbal warnings and two written warnings. No charges have been laid under the Smoke-Free Places Act to date.
The inspections included licensed establishments, restaurants, indoor workplaces and public spaces.
Amendments to the Smoke-Free Places Act, which came into effect on Dec. 1, ban smoking in all indoor public areas and workplaces as well as outdoor eating and drinking establishments.
The Department of Health Promotion and Protection responded to 300 complaints and public queries made to the toll-free public information line in December. The majority of complaints concerned individuals smoking outside within four metres of a building entrance.
"We are pleased with the level of compliance and with the public support for the changes," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection.
"We will work with owners and managers of workplaces and public places to ensure compliance. But if we see they are not taking responsibility, we have the legal tools to bring them into compliance, including fines, warnings and the ability to revoke licences."
Initial inspections focused on smoking in indoor places but there will be an increased focus on outdoor eating and drinking establishments as the weather warms.
