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Lacombe adopts new Cannabis and Tobacco Consumption Bylaw

Sep 25, 2018 | 6:50 PM

With the legalization of cannabis in Canada just three weeks away, Lacombe has passed a new bylaw to regulate and guide citizens on the use of cannabis and the appropriate locations in the community for tobacco use.

Also known as the ‘Smoking Bylaw’, Bylaw 461 amends the previous bylaw to provide a no-smoking radius for tobacco within five metres of any designated public areas, and within five metres of any door, window or air intake of any public building in the city’s downtown core.

Outside the downtown, there is a 10 metre no-smoking radius within all designated public areas.

“This bylaw provides us with a solid foundation for the upcoming legalization of cannabis,” said Mayor Grant Creasey, in a press release. “It provides both our police and our bylaw enforcement officers the tools to be able to address those instances where a fine is required.”

“Smoking, vaping, or consuming cannabis is not permitted in any public place within Lacombe,” added Chief Administrative Officer Matthew Goudy. “Minors are not permitted to smoke, vape, or consume cannabis or tobacco products via any means.”

With the passage of the bylaw, City staff will begin installing “No Smoking” signage in public locations, including parks, playgrounds, trails and municipally owned facilities. Enforcement Services will focus on educating the public about Bylaw 461 during the installation period.   

Enforcement of the No Smoking Bylaw begins after the signs are in place. Peace officers will have the discretion of issuing violators a $250 fine for the first offence, $500 for the second offence, and $1,000 for the third and subsequent offences. In addition to issuing fines to minors, an officer may seize any cannabis and tobacco products, and smoking or vaping paraphernalia.