Quebec sets a precedent on anti-smoking laws

ANTI-SMOKING groups hailed Quebec's new tobacco-control law Friday as a world precedent. “We're thrilled,” said Flory Doucas, co-director of the Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control. “The minister (for Rehabilitation, Youth Protection and Public Health, Lucie) Charlebois delivered,” Doucas said.

Bill 44, first introduced in May, places limits on electronic cigarettes and smoking in public places, including outdoor café terrasses. It received unanimous support in the National Assembly.

Under the law, smoking on the outdoor terrasses of Montreal bars and restaurants will be prohibited — despite bar owners protesting this will cut down on business.

Doucas said the bill sets a world precedent in setting a minimum size for cigarette packages, thus preventing manufacturers from producing small, slim packs resembling a lipstick or iPod.

The smaller packs allowed manufacturers to shrink the size of health warnings which must cover 75 per cent of the front and back of cigarette packs under federal law, Doucas said.

“Packaging was becoming smaller and smaller,” she said.

The law also means that smoking e-cigarettes, commonly known as vaping, will be banned in the same locations as traditional cigarettes, and the selling of flavoured cartridges is forbidden. The sale to minors is also prohibited.

The new legislation also makes it illegal to smoke in a vehicle when a child under 16 is present. It also bans smoking at exterior playgrounds and sports fields used by kids.

Smoking is also prohibited on the grounds of all schools, as well as daycares, adult education centres and professional training centres.

Advertising of tobacco products is also further restricted under the new law, and new sanctions are in place for those who sell tobacco products to minors or for adults who purchase tobacco for minors. The amount for fines has also been increased.

The Canadian Cancer Society reacted favourably to the new legislation.“Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in Quebec and is responsible for a third of cancers,” Suzanne Dubois, executive director of the CCS in Quebec, said in a statement. “Anti-tobacco legislation is a primary tool in the fight against cancer. No other prevention measure can save as many lives. With (Bill 44), the Couillard government is striking hard.”

Compiled by Law Desk (Source: montrealgazette)