White Rock patio smoking ban would be first for B.C.

The city of White Rock is poised to become the first community in B.C. to impose an outdoor patio smoking ban, with council set to vote on the issue Monday night.

Dozens of owners of restaurants along the beach in White Rock plan to be at the Monday council meeting to voice their opposition.

Many of them say they are worried that if the bylaw passes, their businesses would take a major financial hit.

Just about all restaurants and cafes along the White Rock waterfront have outdoor patios, and the owners say they make most of their money during the summer when people eat outside.

Tony Hoangis worried thata patio smoking ban would cost him money.

"That would turn everybody away.It would mean I would have nothing left. Business here in White Rock, we're very seasonal.Summer is the only time we survive."

Other restaurant owners say they're worried smokers will go to nearby Surrey where they will still be able to light up.

ButWhite Rock Mayor Judy Forster doesn't buy the owners' arguments against the bylaw.

"I think it will enhance the businesses. When you have that high percentage of non-smokers, they will want to come to White Rock because it's a 100 per cent smoke-free environment."

Forster says the health benefits of the smoking ban outweigh any loss in business.

If the ban goes through, it will also apply to entrances of all civic buildings.