Tobacco Retailers
New Electronic Cigarette Sales Regulations
As of January 1, 2016, stores that sell e-cigarettes must post new signs and must ask for ID from customers.
New Flavoured Tobacco Regulations
As of January 1, 2017, the sale of flavoured tobacco products is prohibited. Menthol and clove tobacco products are now included in the flavoured tobacco ban. Cigars under six grams in weight can still be sold in rum, wine, whiskey and port aromas/flavours, while cigars over six grams can still be sold in any flavour.
Smoke-Free Ontario Act
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act restricts the sale of tobacco products in many ways.
Tobacco products:
- cannot be displayed in the store
- cannot be promoted by brand association
- cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 19
Storeowners must:
- ensure their store complies with the law
- be diligent in training all staff on their legal responsibilities
- ensure signs are posted in accordance with the law
Fines
Did you know? Fines for selling a tobacco product to a minor range from $400 to $150,000.
Enforcement in 2016
In 2016, 73 charges were laid against Middlesex-London store employees and owners for tobacco sales offences. Four stores were prohibited from selling tobacco due to multiple convictions for tobacco sales offences.
If you are buying a store that sells tobacco, make sure you look into the store’s enforcement history by emailing the Middlesex-London Health Unit. Smoke-Free Ontario Act convictions of the past owner may affect your ability to sell tobacco.
Tobacco Enforcement Officers
Tobacco Enforcement Officers conduct inspections of tobacco retailers to ensure compliance. If a premise is convicted of two or more offences in a five-year period, the store will be prohibited from selling tobacco products for up to one year.
Free Information Sessions
The Health Unit offers free information sessions for storeowners and employees where the legal responsibilities of tobacco retailers are reviewed.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact the Tobacco Control Team:
Date of creation: January 8, 2013
Last modified on: January 12, 2017
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