The Grey Bruce Health Unit congratulates Grey County on the adoption of a by-law to regulate smoking in or near municipal property. This by-law will prohibit smoking within a nine metre (29.53 feet) radius of any entrance or exit of both county and lower tier municipal buildings in Grey County. The by-law will be enforced by Grey Bruce Health Unit staff and municipal law enforcement. Grey County and the Grey Bruce Health Unit will deliver a promotional strategy over the next two months to educate the public on the new by-law. During this educational phase, any violations of the by-law will result in warnings. Starting January 1, 2015, violations of the by-law may result in a fine of $250 per offence.

Report of a smoking violation can be made to the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456.

"We are thrilled that Grey County has taken this step to protect the health of their residents," says Dr. Hazel Lynn, Medical Officer of Health at the Grey Bruce Health Unit. "There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke and by-laws like these help create healthier communities."

Tobacco remains the number one cause of preventable disease and death in Ontario. Every year smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke contributes to the deaths of 13,000 Ontarians.

For smokers looking to quit smoking, the Grey Bruce Health Unit is hosting quit smoking programs called STOP this fall. The program provides smokers counseling and the patch to aid in their quit attempt. For more information regarding STOP smoking cessation services, visit the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit website at http://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Tobacco/Quitting/STOP-poster-Fall-2014.pdf

Source - Grey Bruce Health Unit