British Columbians are not about to be banned from smoking in cars with children because the provincial government said it doesn't think society is ready for such a measure.

B.C.'s new regulations include no smoking within three metres of public and workplace doorways, open windows or air intakes.
(CBC)

Health Minister George Abbott said it's a worthy idea and one that the government has discussed, but he doesn't think this is the time.

"I'm not quite sure society is ready to accept a government dictum that they cannot smoke in their cars or in their homes," Abbott said Tuesday.

"I think that's a major step forward and not a step I'm prepared to take at this time."

The B.C. government announced on Tuesday new anti-smoking and tobacco retailing regulations that will take effect on March 31 of next year.

B.C.'s new regulations ban smoking in all indoor public spaces and workplaces, effective March 31, 2008.
(CBC)

Under new laws, smokers will not be allowed to light up in public places and workspaces, or within three metres of public doorways.

The new tobacco regulations, which fall under the Tobacco Control Act, will ban:

• Smoking in all indoor public spaces and work places, with exemptions made for the ceremonial use of tobacco by Aboriginal Peoples.
• Smoking within three metres of public and workplace doorways, open windows or air intakes.
• Tobacco sales in public buildings, including hospitals and health facilities, universities and colleges, athletic and recreational facilities, and provincial government buildings.
• Display of tobacco products in all places where tobacco is sold that are accessible to youth under 19.
• Tobacco ads that hang from the ceiling, countertop tobacco displays, self-serve tobacco displays and outdoor tobacco signs.

Abbott said the B.C. government is not following the lead of Wolfville, N.S., by outlawing smoking in cars with children.

The small Nova Scotia town became the first Canadian municipality to ban smoking in vehicles when a child is present early this month.

Politics in front of health: Krog  

New Democrat MLA Leonard Krog said Abbott is putting politics ahead of the health of children, disagreeing that society is not ready.

"There would be great dissent from some people who see it as a civil liberties issue, although I can't understand particularly," Krog said.
 
Krog said inveterate smokers may still believe the tobacco industry when it says tobacco is not harmful to your health but "other than that I think the average person on the street would say absolutely."

Last week, Krog introduced a private member's bill — Smoke Free Car Act — to outlaw smoking by adults in cars with children under 16.

Krog said he's very disappointed his bill won't be debated in the house but still hopes that public pressure will force the provincial government to act.