The town of Hampstead has taken the first step toward banning smoking in public places, with a new draft by-law adopted unanimously by council last night.
A provincial law already bans smoking in parks and around public buildings, but now streets and sidewalks in the western Montreal suburb will be off-limits to tobacco and pot smokers.
E-cigarettes, however, would be exempt, as they are not a tobacco product. Existing provincial restrictions against vaping would apply.
"Second hand smoke is dangerous, especially for the elderly, people with lung diseases and children," says Hampstead mayor William Steinberg. "That is why we are banning smoking in public in Hampstead. Once marijuana becomes legal, smoking it will also be banned in public spaces."
The rules are expected to come into force once a second vote happens at the town's next council meeting in April.