VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Even though Vancouver's smoking ban on parks and beaches has now kicked in, Park Board Commissioner Aaron Jasper insists this is not an excuse to punish smokers or to single them out.
He says it is all about public health. "So we're not telling people that they should quit. If they want to smoke, that is their business. But their smoking habit should not impact the health of their neighbour or their friend sitting down the beach with them."
The new smoking bylaw in Vancouver's parks and beaches also comes with new responsibilities for Park Rangers.
Jasper says for the first time they will be able to hand out tickets. "By year's end, the Park Rangers will be able to issue tickets on any bylaw that pertains to parks, so whether it's off leash dog issues, etc.. they will have the ability to write tickets. First step was to have the enforcement component related to smoking, and over the next few months that will be something that will be phased in..."
He says he is confident most people will comply with the new bylaw.