Canadian smoking ban takes effect

TORONTO – Smokers were required to light up outside across much of eastern Canada on Wednesday, as one of North America’s most restrictive bans went into effect.

Smoking already has been banned from most workplaces across Canada but the ban in Ontario and Quebec now extends to public places in general, including bars, restaurants and schools. The ban also calls on employers to close designated smoking rooms and requires retailers to ask for identification from cigarette buyers if they appear younger than 25.

Though similar bans exist in some American states, few are as restrictive as the bans launched Wednesday in Ontario and Quebec, according to anti-smoking advocates on both sides of the border.

Canada was the first country to require graphic warnings on cigarette packages. Nine of the country’s 13 provinces and territories have now passed smoking bans prohibiting cigarettes in the workplace and public buildings, bars and restaurants.