Smoking Rules in St. John's, Newfoundland

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, bans smoking at playgrounds and outdoor recreational facilities that the city owns, operates or occupies. The rule is By-Law No. 1530, the St. John’s Smoke-Free Playgrounds and Outdoor Recreational Facilities By-Law, which Council passed on 25 May 2009. The city’s online copy carries a note that it is not the official version.

What does By-Law No. 1530 say?

It is a short by-law with three operative parts:

1. Prohibition (section 2). A person may not smoke at a playground or outdoor recreational facility that the city owns, operates or occupies.
2. Removal (section 3). On top of any penalty, a person who breaks the by-law may be ejected immediately from the playground or facility.
3. Penalty (section 4). A breach is an offence. On summary conviction the person is liable to a fine under section 403 of the City of St. John’s Act.

Council made the by-law under section 12 of the provincial Smoke-free Environment Act, 2005, the City of St. John’s Act and its other enabling powers.

What does it not say?

The text on the city’s site has no definitions, so it does not say whether vaping or cannabis counts as smoking. It gives no buffer distance around a playground or doorway, names no enforcement body and states no fine amount. It also gives no effective date other than the day it was passed. Because the copy is unofficial, confirm the wording and any later amendments with the City Clerk before relying on it.

Provincial rules for Newfoundland and Labrador are summarized on the Newfoundland and Labrador page.

Where can I read more?

Read about how municipalities compare in outdoor smoking bans and how penalties work in fines for smoking in prohibited places. Other cities are on the bylaw hub.