No butts about it: Eastern Health extends smoking ban

The largest health authority in Newfoundland and Labrador said Thursday it will make it harder for smokers to maintain their habit — at least near its hospitals, nursing homes and clinics.

Eastern Health said it is broadening the terms of its smoking ban, which already prohibits smoking inside its buildings and immediately near entrances. Smoking has been permitted, though, in parking lots and garages, and on the grounds of the authority's buildings.

Effective Sept. 23, no one will be allowed to smoke in those areas either, the authority said in a statement.

"As a health organization, we have a responsibility to develop and support policies in the best interests of health and wellness," interim president Louise Jones said.

"We know that tobacco use is the greatest preventable cause of illness, disability and premature death, and that second-hand smoke exposes our staff, patients, residents and the public to cancer-causing pollutants."

Eastern Health, which employs about 12,000 people and operates facilities on the Avalon, Bonavista and Burin peninsulas, has been under pressure from its own staff to toughen its anti-smoking rules.

The authority said it will launch a public information campaign to promote the new rules before they take effect.