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1. Why did the Town of Banff create a smoke-free bylaw?

This bylaw is about the health and wellbeing of all our residents and visitors. Second-hand smoke is harmful to others even outdoors, and provides a poor experience when walking down our streets, or playing in our parks, or taking in one of our events.

Everyone has the right to clean air – especially children – and this bylaw will help reduce the amount of second-hand smoke in our community.

2. Doesn’t the provincial government already restrict smoking in public?

Yes. The provincial regulations ban smoking:

• Within five metres (16 feet) of doorways, windows and air intake systems
• Hospital, school, and childcare properties
• Playgrounds, sports and playing fields
• Skateboard and bicycle parks
• Zoos, outdoor theatres
• Public outdoor pools and splash pads

The Town of Banff’s bylaw goes further, prohibiting smoking in these additional areas:  

• Bus stops
• Public sidewalks and pedestrian zones
• Municipal parks/parkettes/green spaces
• Trails and Pathways
• Outdoor markets and events
• In proximity to children not in one’s custody, care, or control

3. How will you enforce this bylaw?

Municipal Enforcement officers will monitor the bylaw while on regular patrol through town, as well as responding to complaints of regular infractions. The RCMP are also able to enforce this bylaw. The priority is to provide education to bring about awareness and compliance over time.

4. Can I get a ticket for smoking in the Town of Banff?

There is a $250 fine for smoking in public places in Banff. Municipal Enforcement officers will take an -education-first approach, like any new bylaw, as the goal is for compliance.

5. Is there anywhere I can smoke in Banff?

Smoking will still be permitted on private property – where allowed by property owners or managers – and in outdoor parking areas and Banff’s network of alleys. Businesses can continue to designate smoking areas on their property. 

6. Are there still public ashtrays available?

Yes. See the map at Banff.ca/SmokeFree

We’re leaving ashtrays in public locations where smoking is not allowed as a visual cue to butt out (they’ll have stickers talking about the new regulations). Ashtrays will also remain in place to prevent littering. It’s an offence to litter in the Town of Banff, and can result in a fine. Some smoking ashtrays will be moved to permitted locations such as outdoor surface parking lots. Businesses can add ashtrays to their property in alleys, as long as they are away from doors and windows.

7. What about Indigenous people who use tobacco for ceremonial purposes?

The ceremonial use of tobacco through Indigenous practices is allowed under this bylaw. The Town of Banff is involved in many of these ceremonies and recognizes the importance of them as part of our culture. No permit or pre-approval is required.

8. I run business in town, how can I prepare for this bylaw?

You can designate a smoking section on your private property if you have the available space (like hotel grounds and sidewalks leading to restaurants, off the public sidewalk). If you don’t have that available, take note of the closest public smoking location to direct your customers and employees. Businesses can install ashtrays for staff in alleys or private property as long as they are way from doors or windows and air intake systems.

The Town of Banff will also provide a sign document for businesses to download and print or have printed at one of the local sign printers to be placed in windows or on buildings indicating there’s no smoking in public areas.

Businesses are encouraged to work with their staff to identify safe places to smoke and to avoid littering, as well as identifying benefits, supports or resources to help staff who want to quit smoking. The addiction is very difficult to break alone, and sometimes identification of supports is enough to start the process to a healthier lifestyle.

9. As a business, am I responsible for enforcing this bylaw?

You’re responsible for enforcing the provincial law, which bans smoking within five metres (16 feet) from your doorways or openable windows. You are not required to enforce the Town of Banff bylaw. Businesses are not allowed to designate smoking areas in the public places prohibited by this bylaw.

10. What can residents do to support this bylaw?

Like any bylaw, it takes time for people to learn and adapt to the rules. Smoking is a very difficult addiction to break. Please have patience with everyone as this comes into effect. Understand that visitors come from all over the world where smoking regulations may be very different from our own.

You can also help people you know who have identified an desire to quit about resources that are available locally.

If you would like to make a complaint about a regular infraction or problem area, you can contact Municipal Enforcement at 403.762.1218 or submit an online complaint at banff.ca/Action.