Pubdate: Sun, 17 May 2015
Source: Penticton Herald (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.pentictonherald.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/664
Page: A8

SKI RESORT GOES SMOKE FREE

Whistler Blackcomb ski resort made headlines last week, not for a
major competition or a facility upgrade, but because it's banning all
forms of smoking, including marijuana.

Marijuana? That's like not allowing beer after a recreational
slo-pitch game.

Jokes aside, this is a great thing provided it's properly
enforced.

Ownership stated in a press release that it's to "preserve the
pristine alpine environment for our guests."

We can add that smoking is a health hazard and studies prove
second-hand smoke causes health problems. Skiing, snowboarding and
other forms of alpine sports are healthy forms of recreation.

Who could ever forget the anti-smoking campaign in Alberta showcasing
a waitress, who had never smoked a cigarette in her life, dying of
lung cancer caused by years of working in smoke-filled taverns. It's
impossible to argue with that.

It's soon coming to where smoking will be banned just about everywhere
except in a personal residence.

Penticton Lakeside Resort general manager Dave Prystay made headlines
in 2012 when he challenged city officials to ban all smoking anywhere
in the city, using as an example Hawaii, where all walkways and
beaches are smoke free.

Advocates of smoking may argue for personal choice and freedom. If a
ski hill is corporately owned, ultimately, it should be a decision
that's made by ownership.

For smaller hills fearful that following suit would be disastrous for
their business model, there's no need to fear.

Once upon a time, everyone smoked, not only in the bars, but on
airplanes and in coffee shops and movie theatres.

All of the above mentioned seem to be doing fine with their bottom
line. In the case of coffee shops, some actually saw a spike in
business when they went smoke free.
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MAP posted-by: Matt