It is the obligation of every retailer of tobacco and vape products to know the law and the requirements to comply with the new legislation. Please review the information below. Contact Grey Bruce Health Unit at 519-376-9420 and ask to speak with a Tobacco Enforcement Officer if you need more information.
Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 Information Guide for Retailers and Staff
The Smoke-free Ontario Act, 2017 has certain exemptions for tobacconists and specialty vape shops. See the guidelines below to learn the criteria required in order to access these exemptions. You must register as a tobacconist or specialty vape shop with the Grey Bruce Health Unit to qualify for the exemptions. Contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit for an application.
Guidelines for Registration as a Specialty Vape Store
Guidelines for Registration as a Tobacconist
Before selling tobacco or vape products to any person who appears to be less than 25 years old, a retailer must request identification and be satisfied that the person is at least 19 years of age. Acceptable identification must include a photograph of the person, together with the person’s date of birth, and it must reasonably appear to have been issued by a government. Some examples would include:
Owners/operators are responsible for their own actions and the actions of their employees. An owner will face an automatic prohibition (unable to sell tobacco products for a set period) if a conviction is received at the same address on two or more occasions within a five-year period.
Tobacco products may include but are not limited to:
It does not include nicotine products people use to quit smoking, such as nicotine patches or nicotine gum.
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 prohibits smoking tobacco and cannabis and vaping any substance in an enclosed workplace (including a work vehicle) or enclosed public place. No Smoking and No Vaping signs must be displayed on every entrance, exit and washroom.
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