Second-Hand Smoke & Public Entrances:  Going outside to get some fresh air?  You better hold your breath

Although it is no longer legal to smoke inside public places, no laws have been enforced about smoking around or near entrances to these buildings including hospitals, clinics, and other health facilities.  MANTRA has made recommendations that smoking not be allowed within 5 metres of any public entrance but so far, no formal government action has been taken in order to create these smoke-free zones.  In a survey regarding Manitobans attitudes about smoking conducted in 2008, 76% of the respondents said that they would support a ban on smoking within 5 meters of a doorway.

While no legislation has been put in place, you can still take action to make your entrance smoke-free:

• Post signs stating that the building entrance is a smoke-free zone.
• Position ash trays and garbage cans away from entrances.
• Hold an information seminar on health and safety procedures and reinforce smoke-free zones.
• Contact your local government representative about creating a smoke-free environment around public entrances.

For more information:

• Attitudes of Manitobans to Smoking and Extending the Ban on Cigarette Use (2008)