The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, MARCH 20,2002 PAGE 5 Business as usual at restaurants BUSINESS from page I "It was a decision based on our customers," customers," she says. "We would say about 98 per cent of them wanted smoking banned." More and more non-smokers were adamant about not wanting to sit near the smoking area or even walk by it on the way to and from tables, she relates. So, the decision was made and then advertised to restaurant patrons with prominent signs throughout December. Some signs are still posted to remind customers. Business is just fine, Ms. Russell says. In fact, some new faces have been noticed since the ban's been in place. And even smokers arc still coming back, having cigarettes before they enter the restaurant or after they leave, she adds. Strike enters second week STRIKE from page I posted indicating where cases were being heard and courts that were open were slowed by administrative problems. problems. "Things are certainly not running smoothly," said a senior court staffer, noting the strike had limited impact last -week since it was March break, a traditionally traditionally slow period when many lawyers and judges are on holidays. Meanwhile, despite a back-to-work order by Ontario's Management Board, correctional officers at Whitby Jail remain remain off the job. Management is operating operating the maximum-security facility, housing 180 inmates. Mr. Risen said clients are complaining complaining conditions at the jail, described as barely liveable at the best of times, have worsened since the strike started as prisoners have been confined to their cells as a result of lockdowns. Correctional officers are deemed essential essential workers and under provincial labour laws must show up for their shifts; however, since Friday jail guards have been replaced by managers due to a dispute over health and safety issues. Guard Steve Clancy, picket line coordinator, coordinator, said six correctional officers returned to work Monday morning but were suspended and escorted from the property after refusing to conduct a search of the jail for weapons. Mr. Clancy said guards requested the Institutional Crisis Intervention Team - the Ministry of Correctional Service's elite tactical unit - be called out to provide backup during the weapons search, but management refused. refused. A metal towel bar, broom and light fixture are missing inside the jail and the objects can be used by inmates as potential weapons, said Mr. Clancy. "Our fear is we could be in a position position of danger. When there are missing weapons in normal circumstances we activate ICIT. They will not comply with the search protocol. If they don't bring in ICIT no one is coming back." Julia Noonan, ministry spokesman, would not discuss specific issues but confirmed the Whitby correctional officers officers reported to their posts Monday but "they've been asked to leave. "The managers are continuing to fulfill the operational responsibilities," she said, confirming there have been problems in getting inmates to court. "Our first priority is the safety and security of the facility," she said. Couple marry in hospital COUPLE from page I chaplains at the hospital. He spoke of how love isn't easy but how the love between the couple has prevailed. The meaning of "as long as you both shall live" was not lost on what was, at times, a tearful gathering. But thanks to Tracey's brother, Scott Walker, gales of laughter rang out when he caught the bride's bouquet. "I wanted to be married," said Mrs. McFadden. "I knew the day I met him when I was 19, I was going to many him." Their vows said and rings exchanged, exchanged, Mr. McFadden was already demonstrating his vow to stand by his wife, as he shared a piece of their wedding wedding cake with her. "It is a privilege and an honour that they wanted me to help," said Rev. Bishop. An Ajax restaurant owner gives her decision to operate non-smoking mixed reviews. Pat Rickert, owner of the Whimsical Garden Café in Pickering Pickering Village says the response is about "50-50" positive and negative from customers. "We do have walk-outs," when it's discovered the restaurant is non-smoking, she says. "Others come in and just run outside for their cigarette." cigarette." Ms. Rickert, who suffers from asthma herself, says her decision to operate operate non-smoking when she opened was purely a health decision. Some people arc more understanding than others, she says, noting some have commented, "Oh you're one of those people," before high-tailing it out the door. Still, she adds, "I am finding more and more people are coming" in since the restaurant is non-smoking. For now, Durham smokers do have a choice, something that may lie a thing of the past when the new bylaw is created. created. Ms. Russell says currently Swiss Chalet patrons who prefer smoking arc referred to Swiss Chalets in Whitby and Clarington, although even those have limited smoking tables. "You can't please everyone but if we can please the majority of our patrons patrons ...in our opinion, it's the best way," she concludes. The Region's plan to bring in a new bylaw must now go back to the Region's Region's health and social services com- • mittec and then to regional council for approval to proceed with public consultation consultation prior to creation of a Durhamwide Durhamwide bylaw, says Glcndcnc Collins, spokesman for the health department. - Files by Christy Chase NISAR HUSSAIN Coffee Time owner has made his establishment in the Bowmanville Mall smoke free. Dr. John Balenko (1)623-7412 Dr. Karl Vermeulen 6)623-7100 MEPHIST0W THE HEAVENLY FEELING OF COMFOR QeiHRAL FAMILY DMmSTRY EMERGENCY CARE AVAILABLE 0 Sedation Q Children's Dentistry --x Q Peridontist Q Orthodontics iMsertiffitistry^ 60 LIBIRTY $T. SOUTH fa BOWMANVILLE v 1 ■ H lr] DMFO A W 1 •Tim I.KÎIIT TOUCH" K4MEK4 FOOTWEAR INC. 1615 Dundas St. E., Whitby Mall 905-728-4197 z-- the I Sleep Factory "CANADA'S MATTRESS SUPERSTORE" I I • .... . ... I'll MSI X ISÎI HUI XX I IisiIi Ml XX XX XXsll l |ll.ll I H I X l Hill Remember, we are (lie factory. "«IVX'i'pi;" FAX news items 905- 579- 1809 Discover a Community Committed to Caring Welcome to Cedarcroft Place Retirement Residence, where your comfort is our greatest concern. With our caring staff we take pride in offering optimum comfort and care in a friendly environment. You'll find all the amenities and services to meet the retirement needs of every lifestyle. Come discover the difference a helping hand can make! * Cedarcroft Place Ret I re ment R e si de nee 649 King Street East, Oshawa (905)723-9490