• Health PEI
• About the Department
• Department Directory
• Chief Public Health Office
• Sport, Recreation and Healthy Living
• Legislation
• Forms
• Health Links
• Fair Drug Prices for Islanders
• Regulated Health Professions in Prince Edward Island
• Influenza - the Flu
• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy

    

HOME / CHIEF PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE / ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH / ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS AND SERVICES / SMOKE-FREE PLACES /

Smoke-free Places Act Info

On September 15, 2009 the Smoke-free Places Act amendments came into effect.

Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke are killers and are preventable. Studies have shown that one of the most effective ways to limit exposure to second-hand smoke is with restrictions on smoking in public places and in the workplace.

A Designated Smoking Area is an area, indoors or outdoors where smoking is permitted.

A Designated Smoking Room (DSR) is a room in a long term care facility that is designated as a designated smoking area under the Act.

A DSR in a Long Term Care Facility must:

• be a fully enclosed room with walls, a ceiling, windows and doors,
• have a fan and direct vent exhaust system that provides a ventilation rate of not less than 15 air changes per hour,
• prevents the movement of smoke from the room into the non-smoking areas of the facility,
• complies with all relevant provincial and municipal laws.

Subject to the Smoke-Free Places Act and Regulations an owner of a public place or workplace or an employer at a workplace may designate an outdoor area of the public place or workplace as a designated smoking area.

• with no patio: the designated smoking area must be 4.5m (15ft) from any entrance & 4.5m (15ft) from fresh air intake
• where all or part of the designated area is a patio: 2.4m (8ft) from any entrance
• the above distances shall be measured from the side of the entrance or intake that is closest to the designated smoking area

Please note: Effective September 15, 2009 smoking will not be permitted on outdoor patios and decks. However, an exception will permit patrons to smoke on the designated area of the patio or deck after 10:00pm. This time was chosen to coincide with restrictions in the Liquor Control Act for minors present in a licensed area accompanied by an adult. Therefore, smoking is permitted for patrions from 10:00pm until the prescribed closing time set by the PEI Liquor Control Commission and up to 3:00am for working staff.

An outdoor area cannot be designated as a smoking area if it used as a day care centre, nursery school, kindergarten, elementary/intermediate/secondary school, hospital or a patio (except as permitted by the Act).

An employer cannot compel an employee work in, or enter, a designated smoking area.

Many Island businesses have already chosen to become smoke-free facilities. More local businesses and workplaces may choose to become or remain smoke-free.

This legislation will help reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and help Islanders live healthier, tobacco-free lives. Other key initiatives, developed in partnership with the PEI Tobacco Reduction Alliance (PETRA) include public education, cessation support, school-based prevention initiatives, and promoting smoke-free homes.

For information about the Smoke-free Places Act or Regulations, call 1.800.958.6400

For information about programs to help you stop smoking or for free cessation counseling, call 1.877.513.3333.