The city of Moose Jaw is asking for public input on amendments to the smoking bylaw.

Under the new bylaw, smoking would be prohibited within 10 metres of bar and restaurant patios. Also, there would be a prohibition within 10 metres of parks, recreational activity areas, playgrounds, or facility within a park, and also within 10 metres of the perimeter of any sports field.

Dr. Mark Brown, who spoke on the topic at city council Monday, said evidence shows there it's not a money losing proposition to have restrictions on smoking.

“There are far more people who stay away from patios that would like to be there because of the smoke, than people who are there because of the smoke,” Brown said.

While councillors wanted input from bars and restaurants in the city, Brown said the evidence was overwhelmingly in favour of there being a positive impact.

“The restaurant industry actually thrives with these bylaws in place,” he said. “Sure, there needs to be consultation, but that’s what the evidence shows.”

There will still be no prohibition against smoking or vaping for traditional cultural practices or ceremonies, and there may also be exemptions for outdoor public events.

Brown said he had a conversation with his 16-year-old daughter about council looking at banning vaping in the same manner as cigarette smoking.

“She said it’s great because it’s crazy the number of my peers that are vaping,” Brown said. “When we say it’s only adults that are vaping, it’s exploding amongst teens. People that are promoting vaping are actually targeting young people.”

Coun. Brian Swanson, also a trustee on the Prairie South School Division, said that a recent meeting had brought forward a group from Central Collegiate’s school community council about the prevalence of vaping among young people.

“It’s a very widespread activity and it’s very difficult to monitor,” Swanson said. “The school board supported bringing about school regulations and administrative procedures that would not allow it in schools or on school grounds. It’s a relatively recent phenomenon that any of the trustees or administrative staff had been aware of.”

More than 100 cities have adopted smoking bylaws, including Regina and Prince Albert.

“I think it’s good that we’re catching up and I think it should happen as quickly as possible,” Brown said.

There will be a period of public consultation for the bylaw, which will be coming back to council at a later date.