Greater Sudbury looks at widening smoking ban

The list of places you can smoke in Greater Sudbury could soon number even fewer now that city staff are suggesting that council ban smoking from all municipal property.

Staff want council to look at prohibiting smoking on restaurant patios as well.

Earlier this year, Greater Sudbury joined several other cities in banning smoking in parks and playgrounds. But staff now recommend extending that to all city offices and buildings, with the exception of those covered by provincial law, such as the Pioneer Manor nursing home.

With respect to patios, staff said the city could hold off on its own bylaw, since the Ontario government is considering a province-wide ban on lighting up in an outdoor restaurant or bar.

Sudbury city council will debate both ideas at its meeting Tuesday night.