MANTRA : No plans for patio smoking ban

Findings in a new survey reveal most Manitobans don’t want to be bothered by cigarette smoke while enjoying outdoor patios and other public places.

The Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA) came out with the survey, which found two in three people (67%) support extending smoking bans to outdoor patios of restaurants and bars — an increase from 58% in 2008

The province doesn’t plan on making changes to the 2004 Non-Smokers Health Protection Act. It banned smoking in all enclosed public places and indoor workplaces, but did not apply to outdoor eating and drinking areas.

But City Councillor Brian Mayes says now might be a good time for change.

“We may be moving now to a place where we should talk about that for the patio, I think that’s a debate we should have,” says Mayes.

A recent survey shows just over 19 per cent of Winnipeggers smoke, a 13% drop from 2004 and slightly below the national average. World No Tobacco Day is Saturday.

Agencies/Canadajournal