No butts about it, smoking banned on B.C. Ferries property, starting Jan. 22

B.C. Ferries has set the date for its vessels, terminals and grounds to go smoke-free, and will include people in their vehicles in ferry lineups.

The change comes Jan. 22, 2018, during National Non-Smoking Week.

Smoking, which includes marijuana and vapour products, will be prohibited on all B.C. Ferries property.

Smoking in private vehicles has generated a number of complaints, said B.C. Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall, including people smoking with their windows down.

She noted that on some ferries, current rules calling for smokers to be six metres from doors and windows can’t be obeyed in any case because of space restrictions.

B.C. Ferries president and chief executive Mark Collins said the aim of the smoke-free initiative is to support health and wellness, and reduce people’s exposure to second-hand smoke. Marshall said the corporation will be aligned with other transportation services, and areas such as malls and resorts.

The measure was announced in the summer to give customers and employees time to adjust. Staff members who smoke are being offered such options as nicotinereplacement therapy.

Smoke-free measures of this type have been largely “self-policed” in the past, Marshall said, with people reminding smokers that a restriction is in place.

B.C. Ferries staff will concentrate on keeping customers aware of the rules, she said. “It will be about information.”

Confrontational behaviour from passengers is not a major concern, Marshall said. “We don’t expect it to get to that level.”

Regular on-board announcements will be made about the new policy, and signs will be placed on vessels and at terminals.