Richmond B.C., April 11. 2008

   The Pioneer Pub at 3 Road and Williams in Richmond, appears to be violating the B.C. Provincial no smoking Bill 10. Effective March 31, 2008 there has been a complete smoking ban in Pubs and Beer Parlors, before that a number of pubs and beer parlors had a designated area for smokers. This was usually an area attached to the existing building that was substantially enclosed.

    The Pioneer is part of the Broadmoor Shopping Mall.

   The Pioneer  has removed a number of windows to this attached area and smoking is still continuing. A few people have complained to the pub about not being able to smoke and now the smoking continues. The windows that have been removed are right beside a sidewalk that patrons of the Broadmoor Mall use and are subjected to the smoke from the Pub smokers.

    Buck and Ear Bar and Grill

          The Buck and Ear Bar and Grill in Steveston is also allowing smoking in there former smoking area. They have removed all the west side windows.

Does this mean the smoking ban for pubs is being lifted or ignored?

     Is the no smoking ban in pubs going to become a joke? Does removing some windows give the Pub a exemption? Time will tell.

     Bill 10 states that smoking is not allowed in a substantially enclosed building and must be 3 meters from any door or window.

   Provincial Bill 10 TOBBBACO SALES (BANNING TOBBACO AND SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES AND SCHOOLS) AMMENDMENT ACT, 2007 can be found on the Internet if you want to read the full bill for yourself.