Item - 2019.ZB1.7

It is recommended that the Board approve that the Toronto Zoo become a smoke and vaporizer-free environment for our guests effective May 1, 2019, and for our staff effective January 1, 2020.

This report will propose that the Toronto Zoo becomes a designated smoke-free and vaporizer-free environment. This designation would mean the elimination of the use of tobacco products and smoking such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, mini-cigars, pipes, water pipes, hookah, shisha, and cannabis on the Zoo site. It also includes the elimination of the use of electronic smoking devices which create an aerosol or vapor, or the use of any oral smoking device. The smoke-free and vaporizer-free designation would initially apply to all guests and eventually all staff who are in, or around, any Toronto Zoo owned, buildings, properties and vehicles.

There is no financial impact with the implementation of this recommendation. Funds are included in the budget for a slight increase in the benefits costs for smoke cessation programs for staff. With respect to impacts on business, it should be noted that within the hospitality and service industry, studies have reported that there has been no adverse effects on the revenues, profits, or employment within these industries following a smoking ban.