Butt Out - Smoking Bans in Alberta

What Edmonton's Proposed Smoking By-Law Covers

The City of Edmonton has until October 17, 2018 to finalize the smoking in public By-Law regarding changes to smoking in public places.

The new by-law is currently under review by city councilors, as there are many factors that must be considered prior to the passing the by-law.

Council initially decided to ban tobacco and cannabis smoking in Edmonton:

• Within 10 meters of any bus stop
• By any entrance/exit, window, air intake system
• On a patio
• In a park that has children’s amenities like playgrounds, outdoor pools, sports fields or off-leash areas
• Churchill Square
• The Edmonton Valley Zoo, Muttart Conservatory, John Janzen Nature Centre
• Any city-owned golf course

Where the 10-Metre Buffer Zone Applies

In the City of Edmonton, you would be able to smoke on sidewalks but only if you are 10 meters away from any entrance, exit, window or patio. Smoking restrictions near entrances, exits, windows, or patios are governed by municipal bylaws and provincial public health legislation, not by Alberta OHS law.

The changes have sparked lots of public interest. Many areas in the province have taken the matter either further:

How will the smoking ban effect business/restaurants and bars that cannot provide the 10 meter buffer zone for smoking? (Areas such as Jasper Ave and Whyte Avenue have businesses in close proximity to one another. 10 meter zones may be unrealistic.)

If “smokers” are required to smoke at least 10 meters away from doors, it many cases it may push them back onto the streets or lanes posing a serious safety concern in high traffic areas.

How Other Alberta Municipalities Are Going Further

Some areas in the province have taken the “smoking” ban even further, in Wood Buffalo, the Regional municipality of Wood Buffalo which oversees Fort McMurray and surrounding area, passed a new by law on Monday July 9, 2018 to ban all forms of smoking- including tobacco and vaping in all public places. Sources say they have now pushed back their decision and are reviewing the effect on local business.

What Smoking Bans Mean for Alberta Worksites

Now what does this mean for Work Sites? As safety professionals there are many other things we need to take into consideration when establishing “smoking” areas. Employers must ensure a safe work environment and manage hazards related to cannabis impairment, often implementing policies restricting cannabis use on job sites, though Alberta OHS law does not specifically mandate zero tolerance. Employers must assess fire hazards and designate smoking areas accordingly, considering proximity to flammable materials and equipment, but Alberta OHS law does not mandate a specific 10-meter distance from entrances or windows.

How Employers Should Prepare Now

So what do we do next? Take a look at the current smoking area on your worksite, and make preparations for changes in legislation. Ensure all “Site Rules” are communicated to all workers, contractors and suppliers.

We will keep you all posted as the new by-laws come into effect as well as the final decisions!!!