Toronto Smoking Bylaws

Article I: Definitions

1.1 Designated Smoking Areas: Areas within the city of Toronto where smoking is permitted as outlined by these bylaws.

1.2 Public Transit Stops: Locations designated for the pickup and drop-off of passengers utilizing public transportation services.

1.3 Secondhand Smoke: Smoke emitted from a tobacco product that is involuntarily inhaled by non-smokers.

1.4 Workplace Environment: Any area where employees perform their duties, including indoor and outdoor spaces.

Article II: Prohibited Smoking Areas

2.1 Indoor Public Spaces: Smoking is strictly prohibited within any enclosed area accessible to the public, including but not limited to restaurants, shopping malls, and theaters.

2.2 Near Building Entrances: Smoking within a specified distance of building entrances, including residential buildings, is prohibited to prevent the infiltration of smoke into indoor spaces.

2.3 Public Parks and Recreation Areas: Smoking is prohibited within designated areas of public parks, playgrounds, and sports fields to maintain a smoke-free environment for families and children.

Article III: Designated Smoking Areas

3.1 Establishment of Designated Smoking Areas: The municipal government may designate certain outdoor spaces as permissible areas for smoking, subject to compliance with these bylaws.

3.2 Criteria for Designation: Designated smoking areas must be located away from entrances and high-traffic areas, with proper signage indicating the designated smoking zone.

3.3 Maintenance of Designated Smoking Areas: It is the responsibility of property owners and managers to ensure the cleanliness and upkeep of designated smoking areas, including the provision of ashtrays or designated receptacles.

Article IV: Enforcement and Penalties

4.1 Enforcement Authority: The Toronto Public Health Department, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies, is responsible for enforcing these smoking bylaws.

4.2 Penalties for Violations: Individuals found in violation of these bylaws may be subject to fines as outlined by municipal regulations. Repeat offenders may face escalating penalties or legal action.

4.3 Compliance Measures: Property owners and managers are required to take appropriate measures to ensure compliance with these bylaws within their premises, including the implementation of no-smoking policies and enforcement of designated smoking areas.

Article V: Sale and Advertisement of Tobacco Products

5.1 Restrictions on Tobacco Sales: The sale of tobacco products to minors under the age of 19 is strictly prohibited following provincial laws.

5.2 Advertisement Regulations: Advertising of tobacco products must adhere to provincial guidelines, including restrictions on marketing to minors and the placement of advertisements in areas accessible to the general public.

5.3 Compliance Monitoring: The Toronto Public Health Department shall conduct regular inspections and monitoring to ensure compliance with regulations governing the sale and advertisement of tobacco products.

Article VI: Reporting Violations

6.1 Reporting Procedures: Members of the public are encouraged to report violations of these bylaws to the Toronto Public Health Department through designated channels, including online reporting forms and telephone hotlines.

6.2 Anonymous Reporting: Individuals may choose to report violations anonymously to protect their privacy and confidentiality.

6.3 Investigation and Response: The Toronto Public Health Department shall investigate reported violations promptly and take appropriate action by established enforcement procedures.

Article VII: Amendments and Revisions

7.1 Review Process: These smoking bylaws shall be subject to periodic review and may be amended or revised as deemed necessary to reflect changes in public health policies and regulations.

7.2 Public Consultation: Any proposed amendments to these bylaws shall undergo a public consultation process to solicit feedback from stakeholders and community members.

7.3 Implementation of Changes: Amendments to these bylaws shall be implemented following approval by the Toronto City Council and under applicable legal procedures.

Article VIII: Effective Date

8.1 Commencement: These Toronto Smoking Bylaws shall come into effect on January 20, 2055, upon approval by the Toronto City Council.

8.2 Transition Period: A transition period of 30 days shall be provided to allow for public awareness and compliance with the provisions outlined herein.

Article IX: Conclusion

9.1 Severability: If any provision of these bylaws is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

9.2 Supersession: These bylaws supersede any previous smoking regulations or bylaws enacted by the City of Toronto.

9.3 Publication: These bylaws shall be published and made available to the public through official channels, including the Toronto Public Health Department website and municipal offices.