Restaurants and Bars

On May 31, 2006 the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) will take effect making the entire province 100% smoke-free in all enclosed workplaces and public places. If you serve, sell or offer food or drink, then you have duties under the new act. For owners and managers of restaurants, bars, and other establishments in which food or drink are served, sold or offered for consumption smoking is not only prohibited indoors (enclosed public place) but also on any patios which are fully or partially covered by a roof. A roof includes an awning, tarp, canvas sheeting or other permanent or temporary covering. A stand-alone umbrella covering a single table would not be considered a roof. To protect employees from any negative effects from seeking compliance with the Act, whistle blower protection is provided.

For more information on this topic please visit the Ministry of Health Promotion website.