Smoking
As of October 20, 2015, vaping electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are prohibited from all public spaces where smoking is currently prohibited. Using an electronic cigarette for the purpose of testing the device, or sampling products used with the device, prior to purchase within an electronic cigarette retailer is currently permitted.
The provincial Tobacco Reduction Act prohibits smoking in all public places and workplaces.
The Public Places Bylaw promotes safe, enjoyable, and reasonable use of public places for the benefit of all residents and visitors.
In the City of Edmonton, you can't smoke:
- Inside a public building
- Within 5 metres of a doorway, window or air intake
- On a patio related to a business, restaurant, lounge or nightclub
- In a bus, taxi, LRT, bus shelter or on an LRT platform
- In bars, bingo halls and casinos
- Within 10 metres at or around playgrounds, spray parks, sports fields and courts and temporary, seasonal outdoor ice skating rinks
Smoking is limited to private homes or vehicles and designated smoking areas in the workplace.
For more information on particular interpretations of the bylaw, check our FAQ.
Making it Obvious
Business owners and managers are responsible for making sure signs are posted to show smokers where they may or may not smoke.Disposing of Cigarette Butts
Discarded cigarette butts are one of the most common forms of littering in the city. Business owners and managers are responsible for ensuring the area around their business is free of cigarette litter. The city has several programs to help keep Edmonton free of cigarette litter.Reporting Your Concerns
If you have a concern about someone smoking in a public place or cigarette litter:
- Discuss your concern with the smoker or the business owner
- Record the address of the violation and a description of the problem if you can't resolve it directly
- Call 311
- Provide your name, address, phone number, and the details of your concern in case your testimony is required in court
Responding to Your Complaint
After you call 311, the City takes these steps to help with your issue:- A file is created specifying your concerns
- A Community Standards Peace Officer (CPO) opens an investigation
- The officer investigates your complaint
- The CPO may issue a warning notice with directions to remedy the problem within a specified time frame or issue a bylaw ticket with a $250 fine depending on the circumstances
- The City may contact you to appear as a witness, if the matter goes to court
Protecting your Privacy
The information you provide will be used to process your complaint, but your name and address will not be made available to anyone else. For more information on how the City protects your privacy visit Freedom of Information and Privacy.For More Information
311
| Telephone | In Edmonton: 311 |
|---|---|
| TTY | 780-944-5555 and press 0 |
| 311@edmonton.ca |
