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Smoke-free legislation: the loopholes

It's puzzling that smoking will be allowed on patios and decks between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m., a time when many like to socialize.

Changes to the Smoke Free Places Act that go into effect next week are finally bringing P.E.I. closer to conformity with the rest of Canada.

It's been a laborious process winning this battle against an entrenched smoking culture. It was only a few short years ago that smoking was considered acceptable in public places, such as schools, hospitals, government buildings and businesses. It took years of concerted advertising and campaigning to finally drive home the message about the health risks to both young and old, before government finally decided to move forward and bring in legislation.

The amendments passed by the legislature last April eliminated exemptions that allowed smoking areas in some public places, such as hospital grounds. Smoking is now also banned in vehicles carrying anyone under age 19.

But one exemption still lingers and it boggles the mind why this loophole wasn't slammed shut as well when amendments were passed last spring. In the face of mounting evidence of the health risks of second-hand smoke, why is this habit still allowed on patios and decks of restaurants and licensed establishments between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.? These are the hours most popular for anyone enjoying a night out with friends and good company. For non-smokers, nothing can ruin an enjoyable evening on a warm summer's night more than the odour of second-hand smoke. But more importantly, why should their health be put at risk?

Studies show that restrictions on smoking actually do induce people to quit the habit. By allowing exemptions, government is sending mixed signals that smoking cigarettes in some public areas is acceptable.

It is also hard to understand why it took legislation to force hospitals to close down smoking tobacco areas on the grounds. Many people are in hospital because of tobacco-related illnesses, yet our hospitals neglected to deal with the smoking of cigarettes issue, forcing government to step in.

And finally, it's unfortunate that the new amendments didn't extend the list of smoke-free areas to include sports and recreational fields. After all, it's impossible to associate smoking with sports and good health.

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