A Cochrane event organizer may have to pull the pin on his upcoming tournament due to recent changes to the smoking bylaw.

Ellison Smith, Tournament Director, was planning to host a returning darts competition in late June at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, but changes to the bylaw won't sit well with many players.

The smoking bylaw was passed on February 27 which prohibits lighting up on any town owned sports recreation facility or sports field within 5 metres of property line. For Smith, the passing of the bylaw will likely force him to cancel.

"Approximately 30% of participants smoke or use inhalers so I don't see them attending if they are not allowed to use them. Even the people that don't smoke will be frowning on it as well because people they play with and participate with are smokers, and they support each other."

Ellison says smokers participating in the darts tournament are respectful of not smoking by entry ways and littering butts; if spacial requirements were a non issue, Ellison would book elsewhere in town.

"I need about 6000 square feet to set up everything and make it comfortable for everyone to play and watch."

The darts tournament attracts players from all over Alberta but if registration is low, no one will come to compete.

"If we don't get the numbers it's not worth us to host it, we have to pay for the facility and amenities; there is prize money involved with it but if numbers are down of course prize money is down too, that will keep people away especially some of the better players."

While Ellison will be disappointed if he has to cancel, the bigger picture may be the economic spinoff; cancelling the event frees up hotel rooms, restaurant reservations, and local shopping done by attendees.

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