As the province toughens up its smoking regulations, members of Vancouver Coastal Health are urging the district to take their own smoking bylaws even further.On Tuesday (Feb. 19), public health nurse Kristine Good suggested the town commit to a top-notch smoke-free policy it could showcase during the 2010 Olympics.This comes on the heels of a motion by Coun. Raj Kahlon to ban smoking in front of children within the home and in the car."The vast majority of the general public wants smoke-free patios and protection from second-hand smoke," said Good.The province's latest smoking regulations, which come into effect March 31, prohibit smoking indoors as well as within three metres of most entryways. Good said this is inadequate since research shows any smoke within six metres of an entryway can seep indoors.A six-metre smoke-free zone has been adopted in Vancouver and she encouraged Squamish to do the same. Good also suggested the town demand signage in all places where smoking is banned and enforce smoke-free patios for the safety of servers."Wait staff are constantly exposed over eight-hour shifts."Coun. Raj Kahlon assured Good the district takes smoking regulations seriously. "The District of Squamish is working on nonsmoking," he said. "I think we're on the right track."While his proposed smoking bylaws were initially deemed Draconian by some media outlets such as the Globe and Mail, they were backed up by a throne speech on Feb. 11 when Lieutenant Governor Steven Point said the province would introduce legislation this spring to ban smoking in vehicles in which children are riding."Second-hand smoke is a danger to children and the parental example that goes along with smoking in a vehicle is not a good one, either," said B.C. Health Minister George Abbott.Some bars in town have already opted to go smoke-free. In January, the Shady Tree Neighbourhood Pub refurbished its patio room and made it a smoke-free environment.
