VCH pushes for tougher smoke bans

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Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is pushing to extend smoking bans on the Sunshine Coast, claiming there is significant support from Coast residents.

John Gleeson/Staff Writer

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is pushing to extend smoking bans on the Sunshine Coast, claiming there is significant support from Coast residents.

The conclusion was based on the results of a survey distributed in municipal offices and other public places on the Coast between July and September last year.

According to VCH regional tobacco reduction coordinator Caitlin Etherington, a total of 510 residents responded, or 1.6 per cent of the population, which Etherington called statistically significant in a summary report released this month.

In the report she acknowledged that Gibsons, with 44 per cent of respondents, was over-represented in the survey, while smokers, at 13 per cent, were slightly under-represented.

Etherington said the survey found strong support for enhanced bylaws, particularly within six metres of doorways, windows and air intakes (83 per cent) and on all hospitality patios (69 per cent).

Approximately 80 per cent also supported the following more specific points: a total hospitality patio ban would mean no businesses would have an unfair advantage; the need for regulation and protection from big tobacco; and the need to protect hospitality workers, Etherington wrote.

There is very little concern, she concluded, about the economic impact of a ban on all hospitality patios.

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VCH pushes for tougher smoke bans