Claims of a smoke-free Games are under attack after a decision to set up special smoking zones at venues.
Jump to full article: BC Local News (ca), 2010-01-21
Author: Jeff Nagel - BC Local News
Intro: Special smoke pits will be set up at the rear of Olympic venues to ensure coaches and officials have a place to puff without having to leave the security perimeter.
Vanoc's chief medical officer said designated outdoor smoking areas will be set up in strategic positions away from crowds after requests from some international sport federations.
Critics say the accommodation flies in the face of Vanoc's commitment to a smoke-free Games.
"We have special arrangements being made so some people can smoke," NDP health critic Adrian Dix said.
"If the message is it's a smoke-free Games and don't smoke, that's what it should be. If it's something else, they should be honest about it."
Up to 25 smoke pits are expected to be in place, typically one at the rear for high-ranking officials and another one for everyone else outside the venue's front entrance, well away from the doors to comply with provincial law.
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