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Tobacco Laws


Can a retailer sell multiple packages of cigarettes at a reduced rate?
Yes, Federal law currently allows this practice.


Can retailers display tobacco products?
No, all tobacco products and tobacco accessories with a tobacco brand name on them must be kept out of sight of customers, except for brief moments during a purchase.


Do you have to be 18 or 19 years old to buy lighters or matches?
No! there are no age regulations for lighters or matches but a retailer is never obligated to sell an item to a person if they are uncomfortable doing so.


Is there a law that controls the sale of lighters and matches?
No! however, Section 29 of the federal Tobacco Act makes it illegal to give any item away ( including matches) with the purchase of tobacco or cigarettes. It is also illegal to give away matches or lighters if they have a tobacco company name or logo on them.


Do you have to be 19 years old to buy cigarette papers, tubes, or filters?
No! under federal law, you must be 18 to purchase these items, however, a store can make a policy that requires people to be 19 to buy these products.


Does the person selling the cigarettes have to be 19 years old?
No! there is no age restriction for the person selling tobacco.


Does the Smoke-Free Ontario Act cover other tobacco products like loose tobacco, cigars, chewing tobacco and snuff?
Yes! all tobacco products are restricted to people 19 or older.


What identification can be used to prove age in order to purchase tobacco in Ontario?
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act approves five (5) forms of identification for tobacco purchases by Ontario/Canadian residence. They are: 1. Ontario driver's licence 2. Canadian passport 3. Canadian citizenship card with photo 4. Canadian Armed Forces identification card 5. Ontario Liquor Control Board photo card If the person does not have one of these forms of identification, the law allows a retailer to accept any other identification with photo and date of birth that reasonably appears to have been issued by a government.


What should I do if I see a store or an individual providing tobacco to someone under the age of 19?
Call and report the incident to a Tobacco Enforcement Officer. During the day you can reach an officer at 519-631-9900. After hours, you may leave a message on the Tobacco Complaint Line at 519-631-3159 extension 405. At any time, you can send an eail to tobaccocontrol@elginhealth.on.ca


What information do I need to provide if a store or person is selling tobacco to someone under 19 years?

Please provide the following minimum information:
1. Location, date and time of the incident
2. Identity or an accurate description of the store clerk or the individual who supplied the tobacco.
3. Age (if known) or aproximate age of the young person involved.


Is any other information helpful when making a complaint about the sale of tobacco to minors?
Other helpful information would include: 1. Brand of cigarettes purchased 2. Whether identification was requested or produced. 3. Name, address and telephone number of the young person who purchased the cigarettes. If you are not able to get the above information, a complaint can still be registered. A follow-up visit will be made to the store to discuss the sale of cigarettes to minors.


Will I have to go to court if I report sales to an underage person?
The charging and successful prosecution of sales to minors offences requires most of the above information supported by a reliable witness. A person who has been charged always has the right to ask for a trial. If the trial is requested, you would need to appear in court as a witness.


Do smokers have to be a certain distance away from entrances to a workplace or a public place?
No! there is a distance requirement of nine metres away from entrances but only for long-term care facilities and hospitals.