New Regina bylaw to ban smoking, vaping on patios

Regina’s patios will look a bit different this summer if the city adopts a new smoking bylaw.

Executive committee is recommending changes to the current bylaw, notably no more smoking or vaping on bars’ and restaurants’ outdoor seating areas.

The changes come after a smoking survey was conducted among Regina residents.

Smoking and vaping will also be banned at outdoor public events on city-owned or controlled land.

If passed by city council, it would take effect on July 15.

The new bylaw would also ban smoking and vaping:

• At and within a 10-metre buffer zone of city-owned outdoor recreational facilities including playgrounds, spray pads, swimming pools, skating rinks, off-leash areas, picnic tables, gazebos, exercise facilities, track facilities, open-air stadiums and sports facilities, hard-surface courts and athletic fields, including seating areas.
• Within a 10-metre buffer zone of entrances, windows and air exchanges of public buildings

The bylaw would also ban vaping in public areas where smoking is already not allowed under the Tobacco Control Act. However, teaching and testing e-cigarette devices in vapes stores would be exempt from the bylaw.

The new bylaw also wouldn’t include tobacco used in outdoor traditional spiritual and cultural ceremonies, like smudging.

City council will get executive committee’s report on May 29.