Welcome To A Smoke-Free Kingston
The City of Kingston's smoking bylaw came into effect May 1, 2003 and citizens are encouraged to educate themselves on the details of the new regulations.
Details of the no-smoking bylaw and its impact are available on this Web site, while the KFL&A Public Health website can provide information on that organization's smoking-cessation programs.
HOW IS SMOKING REGULATED IN KINGSTON?
Smoking in workplaces and public places in Kingston is controlled by the following laws:
-
Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2006
Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport -
Smoke-Free Bylaw
City of Kingston By-law No. 2002-231 -
Kingston Area Taxi Bylaw
Kingston Area Taxi Licensing Commission
WHAT DOES SMOKING MEAN?
Smoking includes carrying or holding a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, or any other tobacco product.
WHAT IS A WORKPLACE?
Workplaces are areas where people are employed, such as retail stores, offices, garages, and factories. Smoking is not allowed in any workplace.
WHAT IS A PUBLIC PLACE?
Public places are areas to which the public has access. Smoking is not allowed in public places, such as:
- Arenas
- Barber shops
- Billiard halls
- Bowling alleys
- Buses
- Colleges and universities
- Convention facilities
- Day cares
- Food premises
- Hair salons
- Hospitals
- Laundromats
- Municipal buildings
- Nursing homes
- Retail stores
- School property
- Shopping malls
- Taxis
- Transit shelters
- Video arcades
WHAT IS A FOOD PREMISES?
Food premises are places in which food and beverages are provided. Smoking is not allowed in any public or private area of a food premises, such as:
- Bars
- Cafes
- Coffee shops
- Food courts
- Lounges
- Patios
- Pubs
- Restaurants
WHAT ABOUT RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS?
Smoking is not allowed in the common areas of residential buildings, including hallways, stairways, lobbies, laundry facilities, and common rooms. Residential buildings include apartments, condominiums, and retirement homes. People may smoke in individual private apartments.
WHAT IS AN OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY?
The owner or person in charge of a business is responsible for:
- Ensuring compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the municipal bylaw
- Posting No Smoking signs at all entrances
- Informing any person found smoking, that smoking is not allowed
- Ensuring that ashtrays and similar items are not allowed
- Informing each employee of smoking prohibitions in the workplace
WHERE CAN BUSINESSES GET NO SMOKING SIGNS?
No Smoking signs are required by the City of Kingston Bylaw, and are available free of charge from the City of Kingston or KFL&A Public Health.
HOW CAN I REPORT A VIOLATION?
Anyone found smoking in an area where smoking is not allowed could be ticketed or charged with an offence. The maximum penalty is $5,000.
To report a violation, contact any of the following:
KFL&A Health Health's Tobacco Information Line
613-549-1232, ext. 1333
City of Kingston Bylaw Enforcement
613-546-4291, ext. 3135
CRIMESTOPPERS
1-800-222-8477
For an official copy of the City of Kingston's Smoke-Free Public Places and Workplaces bylaw, visit the City Clerk's Office in Kingston City Hall, 216 Ontario Street.
