The City of Toronto bylaw that was passed in December 2015 to
ban hookah pipes in city-licensed establishments
has recently survived a challenge at Ontario's top
court.
The bylaw's survival will now make owners subject to
tickets, summonses, or hearings before a license tribunal.
Previously, resulting in the bylaw to be appealed, lounge owners
stated the city overstepped and unfairly put them out of
business.
The hookah pipes and lounges are a health hazard that's
putting people at risk of second hand smoke, considering many
hookah lounges serve food and drink, not all customers that enter
the establishment are taking part in smoking hookah pipes. Allowing
the lounges to continue serving food and drink further supports the
council's intention to ban the pipes based on health and safety
concerns, and doesn't display any conflict with the Occupational
Health and Safety Act.
