If you think you can enjoy a cup of coffee outdoors without choking on tobacco smoke, forget it unless you live in Vancouver or Victoria. On the tough issue of patios for bars, coffee shops, and restaurants, the Campbell government punted the issue into the hands of the municipalities. The Ministry of Health website advises the hospitality sector: "The 3 metre buffer zone does not apply to hospitality sector patios (those where food or beverages are being served, or to casino or bingo hall patios), provided that: the patio is not fully or substantially enclosed; the doorways are kept closed except to enter or exit the patio, and windows or air intakes are closed at all times when the patio is in use."

In 2001, one of the first actions of the Campbell government was to overturn the WCB and allow designated smoking rooms. BC is finally catching up to the rest of the world in restricting tobacco promotion, but it has a long way to go to show real leadership.

Little or nothing has been said in the mainstream media about the major loopholes in the new tobacco regulations. According to the government website, the new regulations are effective March 31st; try telling that to the guy at the bus stop who's blowing smoke in your face. With less than 20% of the population smoking, don't be surprised if a few assault charges get laid when nonsmokers try to enforce their rights. The cash-strapped health authorities are charged with enforcing the new regulations, meaning that enforcement will be somewhere between little and none, and confrontation between smokers and nonsmokers will escalate.