CBC: Bar owners gather for smoking-ban pep talk. There seems to be a fair amount of whining coming from the bar and restaurant owners over the upcoming anti-smoking legislation. They seem to need instructions on how to ensure that the law is respected within their establishments.

Their lawyer, Julius Grey, also appears to be at a loss for ideas.

Julius Grey, the lawyer leading that challenge, advised owners charged with not having done enough to stop smoking inside a bar to fight the fines in court.

"The law says you have to do whatever you can. But what does it mean?" he asked. "Does it mean fighting with a customer?"

I would suggest that you begin by informing the customer that they are breaking the law, and that they are to cease said behaviour (i.e. smoking, in case anyone is having trouble following along) immediately. If they refuse, you ask them pay their account and leave. If they refuse, you call the autorities/police.

I wonder if someone tried to walk out of a restaurant without paying, would the owners not know what to do? Would they stand around helplessly, shugging their shoulders, "What am I supposed to do?"

BTW, as patrons, we can also help. If you observe the anti-smoking legislation being broken in a restaurant, bar, or anywhere else for that matter, report the incident to the authorities at 1 877 416-8222. Eventually, the owners may become motivated enough to get a clue.