A total smoking ban in all public places, such as bars and restaurants, is drawing heat again within the City. The issue was re-sparked at a City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 22 by Art Puddister, city councillor.

Puddister wants the council to ask the provincial government to introduce tougher legislation. He thinks it's about time that Newfoundland and Labrador came into the mainstream with North America and start having legislation which is consistent with other parts of Atlantic Canada and North America in general. Bars in areas such as Halifax, Toronto and Vancouver require people to smoke outside.

The province's medical association called for a similar smoking ban last summer, but groups representing restaurant and bar ownerss opposed the idea, saying it would eat into their business and cause layoffs.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association applauded the province last year for initiatives to curb smoking in work and public places, particularly as it relates to the ban on smoking in restaurants that serve children.

What do you think about the proposed total smoking ban in all public spaces including bars and restaurants? Do you think this proposed change would affect your business, customers and staff? Should status qou be maintained? We would like to hear from you.

As a part of the Downtown St. John's Days Celebrations The Downtown Development Commission (DDC), in partnership with the City of St. John's, will be presenting The Downtown Concert Series June 18, 19, and 20 in Prince Edward Plaza on George Street.

The Downtown Concert Series is three days of great local entertainment that is free and open to all ages, rain or shine. Festivities get underway at 12:00 noon on Friday June 18th in the Plaza. The Town Crier and other special guests from City Council will be on hand to officially launch the weekend with a huge birthday cake. The Mack Barfoot Quartet will then take the stage until 1:30 pm to perform a lunch-time Jazz concert. The music will continue Friday evening with a Blues and Jazz Showcase 8:00 pm to 11:00pm featuring Mark Belbin, The Angela Warner Blues Band and other guests.

Saturday afternoon is for the kids as we'll host the Downtown Children's Festival featuring Sonja Abbott, Fergus O'Byrne and Science Buskers from the Newfoundland Science Centre. Free face painting and free treats for the kids from Pepsi, Scotsburn and Humpty Dumpty. Bring the family back to the Plaza at 7:00 pm for the popular Traditional Night featuring Dungarvan, La Viree from Moncton, and Newfoundland legends The Sons of Erin.

The weekend ends on a high note Sunday June 20 with The OZ FM Concert in The Plaza, 2:00 pm-5:00 pm. Featured are The Novaks, Colleen Power, and Darryl Cooper.

The Newman Wine Vaults, a Provincial Historic Site, opened its doors today for the start of the season. The Vaults are open 10:00 am to 4:30 pm daily offering guided tours and admission is by donation.

The Vaults are operated by Newfoundland Historic Trust. A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the built heritage of our province. Check out all the fun events online at www.historictrust.com or call 739 7870/7871. The Vaults are located at 436 Water Street on the corner of Water Street west and Springdale Street.

Want to hire a student? Need a summer job? St. John's Human Resource Centre of Canada for Students is open for business at the Sir Humphrey Gilbert Building on Duckworth Street. For more information on hiring a student call 772 4077 or if you are a student looking for an odd job call the Jobline at 772 3764.