On March 31, in British Columbia, was approved by Government the new legislation that prohibits the sale of tobacco products.

Health Minister George Abbott said: “We know that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. And by ensuring that public spaces and work places are smoke-free we are working to create the healthiest environment for all British Columbians and to reduce the impact of tobacco use on our health system.”

The new legislation prohibits:

Smoking in all indoor public spaces and work places, with exemptions made for the ceremonial use of tobacco by Aboriginal people;

Smoking within three meters of public and workplace doorways, open windows or air intakes;

Tobacco sales in public buildings including: hospitals and health facilities, universities and colleges, athletic and recreational facilities, and provincial government buildings;

Display and promotion of tobacco products in all places where tobacco is sold that are accessible to youth under 19.

Even tobacco use was prohibited by municipal regulations, smoking will still be allowed on the outdoor courtyard of restaurants and bars, as long as that patio area is not substantially enclosed.

“These new regulations will do more to protect British Columbians from the deadly effects of second-hand smoke and that is great news for this province,” said Scott McDonald, executive director of the B.C. Lung Association.

Additionally, tobacco merchants that will violate the restrictions on sales and display of tobacco products could face administrative penalties and fines of up to 30 days or $3,000 for a first contravention, up to 90 days or $4,000 for a second, and up to 180 days or $5,000 for anything after that.

The new antismoking legislation was designed in order to discourage people from lighting up, and some people think they might have the desired effect.

"It will probably make me want to quit," said Nick Cardarelli, a barmer at the Cambie Pub in downtown Vancouver. "It's too much work to go outside."

Government also made an engagement that in this year it will enforce legislation that will ban smoking in vehicles when children are present.