Canada

Halifax Regional Council amends smoking by-law

Halifax bar owners are now facing new smoking by-laws following Tuesday night's regional council vote.

The amendment will force bars, bingo halls and every other public place in the city to establish smoke-free zones. Some councillors say the new rules don't go far enough.

Councillor Bob Harvey says he would rather see a by-law that banned smoking completely in public. But council says it must take it one step at a time.

The new rules will come into effect in February.