News archive
NEWS RELEASE
Caution Business Owners, Lack of Proper No Smoking Signage Could Cost You
Vancouver, August 21, 2008 -- The BC Lung Association reminds Vancouver businesses that new tobacco laws require official no smoking signage be posted. And, if businesses don’t comply, hefty fines may apply.
To help out, the Association is providing local businesses with official, no smoking signage FREE-of-charge.
 |
Katie Fedosenko of the BC Lung Association holding a copy of official no smoking signage provided free-of-charge to all Vancouver businesses. Visit bc.lung.ca or call 604.731.5864 for details |
“The BC Lung Association applauds the toughening of Vancouver’s smoke-free bylaw. By providing official no smoking signage we can help Vancouver businesses meet the new smoke-free environment regulations,” says Veda Peters, Health Educator with the BC Lung Association.
Tobacco use is the single most important preventable cause of death and disease, and the main cause of lung disease. Lung disease is the fastest growing cause of hospitalization, disability, and death in Canada. One in five British Columbians suffer from asthma or other chronic and debilitating respiratory illnesses.
“Banning tobacco use in public places not only protects people from harmful second-hand smoke, but makes it difficult and inconvenient for those who do smoke, and can be an effective motivator for smokers to quit,” added Peters.
To obtain copies of signage produced by the BC Lung Association call 604.731.5864, toll free 1.800.665.5864 or visit bc.lung.ca to download copies of the signs.
About NEW BC Tobacco Laws
Laws effective as of March 31, 2008:
- Ban smoking in all indoor public spaces and work places, with exemptions made for the ceremonial use of tobacco by Aboriginal people;
- Ban smoking within three metres of public and workplace doorways, open windows or air intakes;
- Ban tobacco sales in public buildings including: hospitals and health facilities, universities and colleges, athletic and recreational facilities, and provincial government buildings; and
- Ban display and promotion of tobacco products in all places where tobacco is sold that are accessible to youth under 19.
For comprehensive information about NEW BC Tobacco Laws visit: http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/tobacco/
MEDIA CONTACT
Becky Bruce, Media Relations, BC Lung Association
T 604-731-5864 E bruce@bc.lung.ca