Ontario's new Smoke-Free Ontario Act is impacting smokers including those attending Sarnia Sting and Sarnia Legionnaires games.
The Doug Ford government made legislative changes following the legalization of recreational cannabis last month.
Lambton Public Health promoter Paul Buttery said the new law bans smoking or vaping at recreational centres including on the outdoor grounds extending 20 metres from the property's perimeter.
"The outdoor grounds of recreation centres plus a 20-meter buffer includes all local hockey arenas, and that would include the PASA arena in Sarnia," said Buttery.
He said the rules for sports fields and playgrounds haven't changed much.
"Sports fields and playgrounds have always had a 20-meter buffer with the previous Smoke-Free Ontario Act," said Buttery. "That continues, it just includes the new additions to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act which is cannabis and vaping, so you won't be able to smoke cannabis or vape within 20 metres of a sports field or playground."
Buttery said new signs will be posted around the community, and violations can be reported anonymously to Lambton Public Health.
More information on the Smoke-Free Ontario Act can be found at www.lambtonhealth.on.ca.
