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Smoke and Vape-Free - Bars, Restaurants and Patios

It is illegal to smoke or vape inside a restaurant or bar. It is also illegal to smoke or vape on or within 9 metres of all restaurant and bar patios.1

 

Bars and Restaurants

  • You cannot smoke or vape in a bar, restaurant or other place of entertainment such as a bowling alley, theatre, casino, racetrack, concert hall or adult entertainment establishment.
  • You cannot smoke or vape on any part of a bar or restaurant outdoor patio.
  • You cannot smoke or vape in the reserved seating area of a sports arena or entertainment venue.
  • You cannot promote tobacco or vapour products (in general or specific brands) in a place of entertainment.

Bar Patios

You cannot smoke or vape on a patio of any bar or restaurant, including the public areas within 9 metres of the patio.

What is a patio?

An outdoor area that meets all of the following criteria is considered a patio under the Act:

  • The public has access to it or employees use the area.
  • Food or drink is served or sold or offered for consumption in the area or the area is operated in conjunction with an area where food or drink is served, sold or offered.
  • The area is not a private home.
 
Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017: Patios Poster

Download poster (PDF 3.5MB)

 

Contact Us

For more information, contact the Smoke-Free Information Line:

 

Bar and restaurant owners must ensure:

  • Outdoor patios are 100% smoke-free and vape-free 24 hours a day throughout the year.
  • ‘No Smoking’ and 'No vaping' signs are posted at all entrances and exits to the patio and throughout the patio as necessary.
  • No ashtrays or similar equipment are on the patio.
  • Any person who refuses to comply with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 does not remain in the smoke and vape-free area.
 
Date of creation: February 26, 2013
Last modified on: November 28, 2018

Resources

 

Related Content

 

References

1Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care. 2018. Where you can't smoke or vape in Ontario. Retrieved from
https://www.ontario.ca/page/where-you-cant-smoke-or-vape-ontario