Editor,
Re: “All in favour” of smoking bylaw
I’m one who is not in favour. Let’s take a couple of examples. A tourist addicted to smoking has been on a no-smoking enclosed bus for hours. The first thing they do when they visit our town is light up – $100!
How about the busloads of tourists who stop at Hope Sushi and stand around smoking as much as they can till they get back on the bus? Hundreds of dollars in fines!
Walk down Wallace and there is not a place to smoke that is not within the perimeter of a storefront entrance or public park.
The owners of Sharon’s Deli sit outside to have a smoke in their own chairs. I think that might attract business to those addicted.
We know coffee and a smoke are a fleeting pleasure so Blue Moose has a covered outdoor space but don’t smoke there – $100!
Let’s think Kawkawa Beach on a sunny Sunday when lots of families are picnicking.
They are encouraged to bring a charcoal barbecue that smokes up the area around them for hours, but have a smoke that could bother someone – $100!
Concerts in the park are already in trouble because of how uncomfortable it is to sit in the sun so many people sit a block away from the stage just to be in the shade.
Now you find yourself too close to the play area. You can drink expensive beer and drive away drunk but …have a smoke – $100!
Remember motorsports bowl? Sit there all day and no smoking seems to detract from the enjoyment of the event.
This bylaw even discourages one of our local businesses, the vape shop, who are trying to make a legitimate living.
I think this whole concept of draconian regulations put forth without due consideration for our town as a tourist destination is irresponsible.
If you have trouble with a nearby smoker, move upwind.
Many smokers must have their after-dinner smoke. Not now. Step outside for a smoke before dessert – $100!
I guess we can afford the hit to our tourists, our recreation, our wallet and freedom.
Steve Rosenberg
Read more Hope Standard coverage of the smoking bylaw discussion: