Advertisement

Montreal bar and restaurant owner speaks out against Bill 44

Restaurant and bar owner Peter Sergakis says business will drop 10-15 per cent if the proposed tobacco law changes proceed, Wednesday, May 6, 2015 in Montreal. Ian Barrett/The Canadian Press

MONTREAL — Quebec’s plan to ban smoking on outdoor patios isn’t popular with at least one Montreal bar and restaurant owner.

READ MORE: Quebec tables bill targeting e-cigarettes, smoking on patios

Peter Sergakis owns 40 establishments in the Montreal area and said the new rules will result in people opting to stay home at a time when business is already slumping.

Restaurant and bar owner Peter Sergakis says business will drop 10-15 per cent if the proposed tobacco law changes proceed, Wednesday, May 6, 2015 in Montreal. Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press

He predicts that business will drop by as much as 15 per cent.

Story continues below advertisement

Sergakis said he doesn’t believe smoking outdoors is a problem and several smokers and non-smokers interviewed on Wednesday agreed.

Non-smoker Michel Caissy said the bill won’t affect him but believes people are entitled to their freedom.

Former smoker Gilles Garand said he supports the bill but noted that smoke doesn’t bother him when outdoors; while smoker Robert Labelle said smoking outdoors doesn’t disturb anyone.

WATCH ABOVE: Dr. Genevieve Bois from the Quebec Coalition of Tobacco Control on the new legislation

Sponsored content

AdChoices