What does the Smoke-Free Ontario Act Do:

Ban smoking in enclosed public places and all enclosed workplaces as of May 31, 2006

Eliminate designated smoking rooms (DSRs) in restaurants and bars, permit residential care facilities to operate controlled smoking areas which are specially designed to ensure nobody outside the room is exposed to second-hand smoke. The law stipulates who may enter the area and under what conditions, as well as requirements for engineering design, function and maintenance of these areas;
Protect home health care workers from second-hand smoke when offering services in private residences;
Prohibit smoking on patios that have food and beverage service if they are either partially or completely covered by a roof;
Toughen the rules prohibiting tobacco sales to minors;
Prevent the promotion of tobacco products in entertainment venues;
Immediately restrict the retail promotion of tobacco products and impose a complete ban on the display of tobacco products by May 31, 2008.

What does this mean for Windsor-Essex?

No smoking allowed indoors at any enclosed workplace and public place. This would include: restaurants, bars, schools, private clubs, sports arenas, work vehicles, offices and entertainment venues, including casinos, bingo halls, bowling and billiard establishments;
All ashtrays or similar types of equipment will need to be removed from areas where smoking is prohibited
Designated smoking rooms will need to be closed or removed from enclosed workplaces and public places
Outdoor smoking shelters are permitted to have no more than two walls and a roof. Any existing structures must be changed in order to comply with the legislation.
Any patio that is partially or completely covered by a roof and serves food or beverages must be smoke free, therefore to allow smoking any overhangs, awnings or roofs must be removed
Signage will be required to be on display at the entrance/exit of facilities where smoking is prohibited