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THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, MAY 26,2004 PAGE 5 www.durhamrogion.com Pub owners differ on views of non-smoking bylaw This is the second of a three-port series looking at Durham Region's Region's smoking bylaw, which comes into effect June 1. This week: The affected BY CARLY FOSTER Staff writer DURHAM --Rob MacArthur doesn't smoke, but he's defiantly against shutting smokers out. "Non-smokers should not have to put up with smoke, but smokers have a right, too," said Mr. MacArthur, who owns the Puck and Beaver Pub in south Ajax. "If they (smokers) have an option to go elsewhere, they will." He's referring to the Durham regionwide smoking bylaw, which will ban smoking in all public and work spaces as of June 1. Smokers can smoke on patios, while casinos, bingo halls and racetracks can have a designated designated smoking room representing no more than 25 per cent of their total public space. It's those DSRs that have Mr. MacArthur really upset. Neighbouring Neighbouring Toronto, despite also going smoke-free June 1, is allowing allowing DSRs, and Mr. MacArthur said that's not fair. "In doing this, 'they've allowed those bars, restaurants, bowling alleys to have a definite advantage advantage over us," Mr. MacArthur said. "Not that smoking rooms are cheap, but at least they give you an alternative. "A separate smoking room would take (the smoke) out." Yet of the 6,50,0 "seated" es-- tablishments in Toronto that will come under the city's bylaw, only 185 have so far installed DSRs, If-'any bar in Durham should be worried about defectors to Toronto, it's thg Fox Goes Free. Located on Kingston Road at Al- tona Road, it's steps away from the ScârborouglLborder. Yet this quaint,ifudor-styie British pub is going smoke-free early -- two weeks before the bylaw kicks in. "We really should have gone a long time ago, that's the reasoning," reasoning," said Mark Vigna, whose wife, Paula, owns the pub. "When customers say it's too smoky in here, we try our best to listen to them." Mr. Vigna is confident any lost business from smokers will be recovered recovered and even be made up by non-smokers who have refused to go to smoke-filled bars and restaurants. And Health Canada says independent independent studies have shown "the hospitality industry does not lose business...after going smoke- free, insurance costs are lower, cleaning costs are reduced, there is less damage to furniture...and less risk of fire." While much press has been given to the plight of bars and restaurants, smoking in workplaces workplaces has also been an issue, said Alex Connor, a manager of environmental health who will be responsible for enforcing bylaw 66-2002. The health department has a list of workplaces that have had complaints launched against them, and plan on enforcing the smoke-free bylaw there come June 1. "The public places of, for example, example, banks, the LCBO, have never been an issue," said John Ingrao, who prosecutes those who don't comply with the Region's Region's bylaws. "Where we've run into problems is backrooms, those private areas." Many workplaces have smoking smoking rooms, or designated smoking smoking areas. General Motors in Os- hawa, for example, has painted 4- feet-by-4-feet squares where smokers can puff indoors. Now the auto giant is creating smoking smoking areas outdoors and preparing shelters for smokers in the winter and rain. "Employees are well-prepared . for this adjustment," said Pam McLaughlin, manager of public relations for GM. "I would say overall they're accepting with-,the ■ f s Xv r 'THI>r' ■ Ron Pietroniro/The Canadian Statesman Mark Vigna has already implemented a smoke-free policy at the Fox Goes Free Pub, which is owned by his wife, Paula. New Fabrics • Custom Upholstery • Custom Orders Decorate for Less - Where the Decorators Shop change." The bylaw also extends to company vehicles, and that's caused some imminent changes at Taxi Taxi in south Oshawa. "Drivers that do smoke are going to have to get used to getting getting out and taking a break to smoke," said manager Dave Smith, adding the company has posted notices and held meetings with staff. "The worst part for me is going to be my inside staff...historically, staff...historically, they've been able to smoke inside and now they're going to need breaks. Ajax Bingo Country has been implementing the bylaw since February of last year when they reopened with a glass DSR and the required ventilation. ventilation. "The only thing in that smoking smoking room now are the smokers," said Lucy Ogilivie, the hall manager, manager, adding that none of her customers customers have had a problem with the switch. "The way we have it setup, nobody is isolated." The same goes for Royal ' W'.:i Ifriva* y./• T?.*• - **>.' Canadian Legions, which are allowed allowed to have smoking because they're private clubs. To qualify, clubs must be non-profit, have a set of bylaws and must not advertise advertise to the public. The health department is relying relying on public complaints to help regulate workplaces, Mr. Connor said. "We do know a small component component of workplaces won't comply," comply," Mr. Connor said. "But we don't expect wide scale non-compliance." non-compliance." With files from TorStar News Service TH CE 1698 BAYLY ST. W. PICKERING upholstery fabrics notions & trims tassels quilting cottons re-upholstering made-to-order 905.831.5223 •SOME EXCEPTIONS MAY APP!< SEE STORE MANAGE» FOP DE'AllS Email it The Statesman newsroom@durhamregion.com Ask About Our 12 Month Return Policy ONTARIO ^ HYUNDAI 1-866-871-6776 platon@ontariohyundai.ca •Plus tax. bi-weekly payment. 60 mths. O.A.C. SO down. 60 month lease based on 20.000 Km/yr. 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