Ontarians Want Choice When it Comes to Smoking in Bars, Restaurants and Legions

An independent study conducted for
the Fair Air Association of Canada (FAAC) by Northstar Research
Partners shows that 70 per cent of Ontarians believe that bar owners
who have invested in ventilated smoking areas should be allowed to
maintain them.

An independent study conducted for the Fair Air Association of Canada (FAAC) by Northstar Research Partners shows that 70 per cent of Ontarians believe that bar owners who have invested in ventilated smoking areas should be allowed to maintain them.

Similar to findings in May 2004, ventilated smoking areas continue to be the preferred option of Ontarians when it comes to public smoking in age-restricted bars and pubs. When presented with realistic options – designated smoking rooms (DSRs), a complete ban or unrestricted smoking, half of Ontarians (52 per cent) state a preference for DSRs. While this is the preferred choice of a majority of smokers, it also emerges as the preference of 44 per cent of non-smokers.

 “We continue to call on the government to recognize the obvious: banning smoking in bars, bingo halls and legions doesn’t make people quit smoking. Smokers just stay home and smoke – while the hospitality industry suffers,” said Karen Bodirsky, CEO of the Fair Air Association.

The Ontario government is currently engaged in Second Reading Debate on Bill 164, legislation that will ban smoking in public places, including those which have invested in effective, efficient ventilation systems. FAAC calls on the government
to allow Designated Smoking Rooms within the framework of the legislation.

“It’s a solution that works in B.C. and in many other jurisdictions across Canada,” said Bodirsky. “It’s a solution that must be included for Ontario.” The Fair Air Association of Canada is committed to the promotion of sound ventilation science and support of the hospitality industry. Its members include bars and pubs, hotels, tobacco manufacturers, ventilation companies and engineers, bingo halls and bowling alley operators.