Threat of smoking ban snuffed out

The City of White Rock has backed down on its threat to ban smoking in outdoor restaurant patios and bars.

Facing strong opposition from the business community, White Rock council voted Monday night not to ban smoking on commercial patios.

The ban would have been the first of its kind in B.C.

Most of the restaurants and bars along White Rock's popular waterfront have outdoor patios thatare packed inthe summer.

Bill Lawrence of the White Rock Business Improvement Association said he doesn't disagree with the principle of banning smoking on patios. But Lawrence, owner of the Sandpiper Pub,added thata ban in just one small community is a bad idea.

He said ifit had gone ahead, small business owners like himself would have lost customers to neighbouring Surrey.

"A lot of people wouldn't put up with it. They'd go to South Surrey, where it's less than five minutes away."

He said he had not expected White Rock council to back down.

"We felt it was going to be an uphill battle, there's no doubt about it."

White Rock Mayor Judy Forster had said the health benefits of the smoking ban were more important than any loss in business. She was not available for comment after Monday night's meeting.