Today at Council, I seconded a motion by Councillor Cindy Gilroy to direct the Winnipeg Public Service to:
1. Conduct a jurisdictional scan of regulatory practices around hookah use in provinces and larger Canadian municipalities.
2. Consult with the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba to determine appropriate regulations for hookah establishments, including but not limited to:
A. additional ventilation system requirements.
B. licensing conditions and additional safety measures to ensure the health and safety of patrons, workers and the general public in the vicinity of hookah establishments.
3. That the Proper Officers of the City be authorized to do all things necessary to implement the intent of the foregoing.
The motion was automatically referred to the Standing Policy Committee on Community Services.
For more information on water pipes and policy please consider the position statement of the Canadian Lung Association. The Canadian Lung Association is calling for:
- A ban on waterpipe use.
- Tobacco legislation to include waterpipes. This includes all municipal, provincial and federal tobacco legislation.
- Until a waterpipe ban is put in place, waterpipe tobacco products should be packaged in accordance with Canadian tobacco law.
- More public education on the health risks of waterpipe smoking.
- More research into the health effects of waterpipe use.