TORONTO, Ont. – Toronto’s medical officer of health is pitching an expansion of the city’s smoking bylaw.

It would include an all-out ban on restaurant and bar patios, city-run sports fields, hospital grounds, bus shelters, the entrances and exits of public buildings and public squares.

Under provincial rules passed in 2006, smoking is not allowed on covered patios.

In 2009, the city broadened the ban to include all school grounds and near public playgrounds, wading pools and splash pads.

The board heard from officials and experts on Monday, including Michael Perley, the director of the Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco.

The public will be invited to weigh in on the issue at a later date. The ban could pass as early as next year.