Starting Saturday, new rules come into effect for Quebec smokers.
It is no longer permitted to smoke within nine metres of a door, a window or external air intake of any public or private building.
Since 2006, these regulations have been in place only for schools, hospitals and clinics.
Modifications to the provincial bill La Loi concernant la lutte contre le tabagisme were passed unanimously on Nov. 26, 2015 and come into effect one year later.
Those breaking the law can face fines of up to $1,500.
According to François Damphousse, Quebec director of the Non-Smokers’ Rights Association, smoking outside of buildings is the cause of innumerable complaints from the public.
Mélanie Champagne from the Quebec division of the Canadian Cancer Society says there is no justifiable reason to expose people to secondhand smoke when a scientific literature clearly demonstrates the smoke is harmful even when outside.
Smoking is no longer permitted on outdoor terrasses in Montreal, after a city bylaw came into effect in May.
With files from La Presse Canadienne.
