Anti-tobacco advocates call for smoking ban on terrasses

Now that the warmer weather is here, anti-smoking groups are calling on the Quebec government to ban smokingonterrasses.

"The majority ofQuebecersare non-smokers and they would like to be able to enjoy a good drink and being outdoors without being exposed to smoke, saidFranoisDamphousse, director of the Quebec Non-Smokers' Rights Association.

Damphoussesays studies show that smoking even outside affects air quality.

When you are in close proximity to a smoker, you are exposed to all the carcinogens that are found in environmental tobacco smoke, and this is especially important for the workers. They are working in the bars and restaurants for long hours.

Four other provinces and one territory Alberta, NovaScotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador and the Yukon have already banned smoking onterrasses andDamphoussesaid he thinks its time for Quebec to catch up.

Bad for business, merchants say

The Quebec government says it is looking into the idea, but a spokesperson told CBC there is notimelineon when a change may come.

Bar owners and workers say extending the provinces no-smoking ban to include outdoor patios would be ineffective.

People will just smoke right beside the terrasse, so it won't change anything, said Lamia Hamici, manager atJuliette et chocolat.

Peter Sergakis, who owns several bars in Montreal, said prohibiting customers from smoking on terrasses would hurt business.

"If that table wants to smoke, they have to go outside [and leave]. While they are doing that, they are going to have one drink less," Sergakis said, adding that he doesnt believe studies quoted by non-smoking groups.

Sergakis said he is hiring his own firm to test the air quality on his terrasses.