Helping Kids Be Tobacco-Free

The sale of tobacco by local tobacco vendors to persons under 19 years of age has significantly been reduced from 59% in 1994 to less then 23% in 2000. The Tobacco Control Act came into force in 1994 and provides stiff penalties for violations in regard to the sale or supply of tobacco to any person under the age of 19. The Health Unit conducts surveillance of tobacco vendors as well as monitors areas where smoking is prohibited. In 2000, the Health Unit hired trained youth to purchase tobacco from randomly selected establishments. Any tobacco vendor that sell tobacco to these young people receive a warning that any future offences will require the imposition of fines and possible prohibition of tobacco sales.

The Health Unit conducts surveillance of tobacco vendors as well as monitors areas where smoking is prohibited.