Smoking and Vaping Rules in Prince George

Prince George regulates smoking and vaping in one bylaw: the City of Prince George Smoke and Vape Free Places Bylaw No. 8591, 2016. Council adopted it on 19 December 2016 and it took effect on 1 May 2017. The City’s consolidated version was revised on 20 July 2026 to reflect Amending Bylaw 9624, which changed sections 1.3, 2.2, 4.1.5 and 4.1.6. This page reflects that text.

Where are smoking and vaping banned?

Section 2.1.1 says a person must not smoke or vape:

• in a vehicle for hire
• in or within 6 metres of a shelter where people wait for a vehicle for hire or public transit, or within 6 metres of a sign post marking such a stop
• within 6 metres of any opening into a building, including a door, a window that opens or an air intake
• in a customer service area (a patio, balcony, yard or sidewalk area connected to a business serving food or drink), or within 6 metres of its perimeter
• on, or within 25 metres of, an outdoor sport facility or playground
• within an open space area, as defined in the City’s Parks and Open Space Bylaw
• in a place of public assembly
• in a building, premises or facility owned or leased by the City, other than a rented dwelling
• at a hospital or health clinic

Outdoor sport facilities are City-owned and include sports fields, ball diamonds, tennis courts, golf courses, lawn bowling greens, skate parks and water parks, plus their viewing areas and bleachers.

The bylaw covers both smoking and vaping, and the title says so. The definitions exclude ceremonial vaping in a traditional Indigenous cultural activity.

Are there exemptions?

One, added by the 2026 amendment. With prior written approval from the Manager of Bylaw Services, smoking or vaping is allowed during a movie production or a theatrical or artistic performance. The application needs a safety plan covering ventilation, performer safety, health regulations and notice to attendees. It does not override provincial law.

What are the fines?

Section 4.1.1 sets a fine of not less than $100 and up to $2,000 for each offence. Each day a violation continues is a separate offence. The City can enforce through a municipal ticket information or a bylaw notice. Signs required at vehicles for hire, patios, places of public assembly and hospitals must state the maximum fine of $2,000.

Who enforces it?

Bylaw Enforcement Officers and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are designated to enforce the bylaw. Officers may enter property at reasonable times to check compliance. The responsible person for a business, patio or place of public assembly must not allow smoking or vaping there and must post compliant signs.

The City’s page for the bylaw lists its general contacts as 311 or 250-561-7600 and [email protected], and 1100 Patricia Boulevard for in-person service. It does not describe a smoking-specific reporting form.

Why the City can do this

The bylaw’s preamble relies on section 8(3)(i) of the Community Charter, which lets a council regulate public health. It also says the City consulted the Medical Health Officer under the Public Health Bylaws Regulation and filed a copy with the Minister of Health. The provincial layer is described on the British Columbia bylaw page and in the provincial summary. Prince George’s 6-metre buffer matches the provincial standard, unlike Penticton’s 7.5 metres. Vancouver takes a park-by-park approach. Browse other cities on the bylaw hub.