Government of Yukon
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FOR RELEASE #08-115
May 15, 2008
Smoke-Free Places Act Takes Effect
WHITEHORSE – As of May 15, the Smoke-Free Places Act bans smoking in all indoor public areas, workplaces and outdoor eating and drinking establishments in Yukon.
Smoking in indoor public places is no longer permitted in any Yukon community, with the exception of designated hotel rooms and long-term care residences.
“The legislation will be supported by education and awareness campaigns offered to people who want to quit smoking,” Health and Social Services Minister Brad Cathers said.
The act began as Bill #104, a private member’s bill. Territory-wide public hearings were held by an all-party committee of the legislative assembly in 2007.
The Department of Health and Social Services will spend the next several months developing and consulting on the regulations that will govern the act. In the meantime, business and establishment owners are being asked to tell customers and clients to take their smoke outside.
“As a first step, we will emphasize education and awareness, and provide tools that will enable individuals to respect the act,” Cathers said.
"Regulations and enforcement will follow after public consultation later this year on the draft regulations.”
For more information on the Smoke-Free Places Act; visit www.hss.gov.yk.ca.
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| Contact: | |
| Matthew Grant Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7961 matthew.grant@gov.yk.ca |
Pat Living, Communications Health and Social Services (867) 667-3673 patricia.living@gov.yk.ca |