The City of Winkler is enacting a public smoking ban that includes vaping and marijuana and includes restaurant patios.

The by-law bans smoking or vaping in any outdoor seating area and indoor public places, including within 15 meters outside of any doorway or window of a municipal public building. Smoking is also banned within the boundaries of the Winkler Aquatic Centre.

However, Cannabis is also not permitted in any indoor or outdoor public space in Winkler, "so we're ready when Cannabis becomes legal," Mayor Martin Harder says.

He notes a specific Cannabis by-law will be created in the future as well, "a similar guide to what we have for alcohol consumption... it's not for public consumption, it's for private homes."

The by-law is enforced by the Winkler Police Service and the Winkler By-Law Enforcement Officer.

The one exception allows for a person vaping for the purpose of testing a device inside a vape retail store.

Penalties for breaking the ban range from $150-$300.