Sporting Areas

Smoking and vaping is not permitted at publicly-owned outdoor sporting areas, spectator areas next to sporting areas and public areas within 20 metres of any point of the edge of the sporting or spectator areas.

This applies to sporting areas:

  • owned by the province, a municipality, colleges or universities
  • used primarily for sports, such as soccer, football, basketball, beach volleyball or skateboarding
  • open to the public whether or not a fee is charged to enter

Note: This does not apply to golf courses.

The Act requires owners and operators of these sporting areas to ensure that smoking and vaping laws are respected. They are required to:

  • give notice to the public that smoking and vaping is not allowed in smoke-free and vape-free areas.
  • post “No Smoking” and “No Vaping” signs, or a dual “No Smoking and No Vaping” sign at entrances and exits to the smoke-free areas, in appropriate locations and in sufficient numbers to ensure that the public is aware that smoking and vaping is not allowed
  • ensure that people do not smoke or vape in the smoke-free and vape-free areas
  • ensure that no ashtrays or similar equipment remain in the smoke-free and vape-free areas
  • ensure that someone who refuses to comply with Ontario’s smoking and vaping laws does not remain in the smoke-free and vape-free area

Anyone caught smoking or vaping on or around these sport areas may be charged with an offence, and if convicted could face a maximum fine of $1,000 (for a first offence) or $5,000 (for any further offence).

The owner or operator of a sporting area who fails to fulfill their responsibilities under the law may be charged with an offence, and if convicted, could face a maximum fine:

Signage responsibilities

  • For individuals:
    • $2,000 for a first offence
    • $5,000 for a second offence
    • $10,000 for a third offence
    • $50,000 for four or more offences
  • For corporations:
    • $5,000 for a first offence
    • $10,000 for a second offence
    • $25,000 for a third offence
    • $75,000 for four or more offences

Other responsibilities

  • For individuals:
    • $1,000 for a first offence
    • $5,000 for two or more offences
  • For corporations:
    • $100,000 for a first offence
    • $300,000 for two or more offences

Print the Sporting Areas Fact Sheet.