Enforcement - Smoke Free Ontario Act - smoking in restaurants - bars - workplaces - buildings entrances - multi-residential buildings - hotels - motels - inns - cars

Information about the enforcement of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act is available on this City of Toronto website .

To request a No Smoking sign or sticker, please call Toronto Health Connection.

If you require further information, or wish to make a complaint about someone smoking in a restaurant, bar, or workplace, contact Toronto Health Connection.

It is illegal to:

  • smoke on and around children's playgrounds and publicly owned sports fields and surfaces (e.g., areas for basketball, baseball, soccer or beach volleyball, ice rinks, tennis courts, splash pads and swimming pools that are owned by a municipality, the province or a postsecondary education institution)
  • smoke on all bar and restaurant patios, whether covered or not (with an exemption for uncovered patios established by the Royal Canadian Legion - Ontario Provincial Command before November 18, 2013)
  • sell tobacco on university and college campuses (this applies to buildings that are owned and areas that are leased by a postsecondary institution or student union)

Smoking outside entrances to buildings
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act does prohibit smoking in some outdoor areas including all school property and within 9 metres from any entrance to health care institutions such as Hospitals or nursing homes. However, under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, an entrance area that is covered by a roof and has more than two walls is considered a shelter and smoking is not permitted under the Act. In Toronto, it is against the law to smoke within 9 metres of an entrance or exit of any building that is used by the public.

Apartments, condos, rental units
In Apartment Buildings, Condos or Rental Units people can still smoke in their private residences (including balconies).

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act only prohibits smoking in all common areas in a condominium, apartment building or university or college residence, including, without being limited to, elevators, hallways, parking garages, party or entertainment rooms, laundry facilities, lobbies and exercise areas.
Balconies attached to the individual apartment or condo are not covered under the Act.

If smoking is occurring in common areas contact Toronto Health Connection.

Hotels, Motels and Inns
Smoking is prohibited everywhere in hotels, motels and inns - except in guest rooms designated as smoking rooms. For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website.

Smoking in cars
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking in a car with children under the age of 16.

Related information: