TORONTO - Toronto Mayor Rob Ford says a proposed ban on smoking on restaurant and bar patios would require too much government interference in people's lives to enforce.
Ford also says it's not clear how much the proposal endorsed by the Toronto Board of Health would cost the city.
The proposal says entrances to public buildings as well as hospital grounds, park amenities, outdoor sports fields and public squares, beaches used for swimming should be declared no-smoking zones.
Premier Kathleen Wynne said prior to the health board vote that Toronto's actions raise questions about whether there should be a provincial ban on smoking in public places.
Currently, the city prohibits smoking inside workplaces, eateries and bars and in vehicles with small children present.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. David McKeown released a report two weeks ago suggesting the sweeping changes, which would need to be approved by city council to take effect.
