Thorsby's new smoking bylaw receives first reading

THORSBY -- A new smoking bylaw has received its first reading in the Town of Thorsby.

The new bylaw seeks to set out designated areas where smoking is prohibited, including five metres from entrances and exits to public and municipal buildings and ten metres from entrances and exits to commercial businesses. The smoking bylaw would also give community peace officers the authority to levy penalties against those in violation of the bylaw.

"The bylaw aims to reduce the risk of second-hand smoke exposure, and to have clear and concise smoking areas that are enforceable by community peace officers," said Thorsby CAO Donna Tona. "Within these regulations include signs, and the requirement for signs to be posted in designated areas, as well as determining where in public areas smoking is allowed or prohibited."

At education facilities, smoking and vaping will not be permitted within 30 metres of entrances and exits. In addition, the bylaw aims to prohibit residents from smoking, vaping, or operating an electronic smoking device in any public place, public vehicle, outdoor skating rink, community recreational facility, or outdoor public event. 

Rules against the improper disposal of ashes and cigarette butts are also outlined in the proposed legislation. Also, if someone is caught smoking or vaping less than ten metres from the entrance to a business, both they and the business could be liable to penalties.

Thorsby's smoking bylaw is expected to come back to council for its second and third readings later this month.