In just seven months, the Ministry of Health's tobacco policy has issued 403 tickets to smokers or vapers located within nine meters of a building's doors.
DURING AN INSPECTION, THERE IS AN INFRINGEMENT IN ONE IN FOUR CASES!
Since the 26 November 2016, the date of entry into force of the law that requires smokers to stay away from buildings, the thirty or so agents of the Ministry of Health have made 1545 inspections. Thus, once in four when an inspector intervenes, smokers are in violation. This is indicated by data from the Department of Health and Social Services obtained by The Journal du Quebec. These numbers may be higher because a municipality may appoint its municipal police officers to enforce the Tobacco Control Act on its territory.
« It's always too much. We can always do better. The situation could be corrected Admitted Flory Doucas, spokesperson for the Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control. " For the nine meters, I think it's hardere ". It is in front of hospitals, malls and CEGEPs that people are least compliant with the Tobacco Act.
In total, 66 findings were issued in front of health facilities on 403 distributed. " These are places that require more vigilance Said the spokesperson.
LESS THAN COMPLAINTS ABOUT TERRACES 
Regarding the ban on smoking on the terraces since 26 May 2016, the message seems to be better assimilated in the population and among the bar tenants. " Before the law, we had a lot of complaints about the restaurant and bar terraces. Now it's rare ", has mentioned Ms. Doucas, arguing that this aspect of the regulation has been respected since it came into force.
Thus, and despite the high number of offenses at the doors of the buildings, Ms. Doucas considers that the Act reaches its target. " The purpose of the Act was to reduce second-hand smoke for non-smokers. In my opinion, the Act achieves its objective, "she said, admitting that the situation" could be improved And one of the tracks is " to increase inspections ».
Yet many smokers and vapers are not aware of this regulation: " People don't know it. I often have to warn them that they are not in the zone Says Richard Belleau who must also vape nine meters from the entrance.
DATA FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
9 meters of doors
Number of inspection visits: 1545
Number of reports issued: 403
No smoking on commercial terraces
Number of inspection visits: 2031
Number of reports issued: 127
Playground for children
Number of inspection visits: 29
Number of observations: 0
Source : The Quebec newspaper
