Tobacco and Vaping
We work to ensure that all retail vendors that sell commercial tobacco and/or vaping products do so safely as well as legally in accordance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA). We also help to promote protect smoke-free spaces indoors and outdoors.
What we do
Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) provides a variety of services and resources related to commercial tobacco and vaping.
Enforcing the Smoke-Free Ontario Act
NWHU has the authority to enforce the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017. Our Tobacco Enforcement Officers are designated as provincial offences officers. Tobacco Enforcement Officers (TEO) also:
- Educate retail vendors on the laws and expectations of any business or employee selling these products.
- Educate schools and students on the laws and expectations surrounding tobacco and e-cigarettes on school property.
- Educate employers on the laws and expectations surrounding tobacco and e-cigarettes in the workplace.
- Inspect retail vendors for compliance with the display and sales requirements for tobacco and e-cigarettes.
- Ensure the proper signage, including requiring I.D. to buy tobacco industry and e-cigarettes, is clearly displayed and marketing materials promoting tobacco brands are not visible to the public.
- Work with youth test shoppers to ensure retailers are not selling tobacco products, including e-cigarettes to anyone under 19 years of age.
- Lay charges where necessary and follow through with related court processes.
TEOs also respond to complaints and requests from the public to ensure compliance with the SFOA. To lodge a complaint or request assistance, you can call 1-800-830-5978 or email talkpublichealth@nwhu.on.ca.
Disclosing offences
Retail outlets and business owners must ensure their staff are educated on the laws for selling tobacco and e-cigarette products. Any retailer or business that is convicted of an offence under the SFOA is publicly disclosed on our Inspection Disclosure page along with our Tobacco and Vapour Product Sale Offences.
Promoting and protecting smoke-free spaces
To protect you from the harms secondhand smoke can cause, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 bans all smoking and vaping:
Indoors
- In enclosed public places, workplaces, and in vehicles carrying children under 16 years of age
- In all common areas of multi-unit housing buildings, in places where home child care is provided, even if the children aren’t present
Outdoors
- On hospital property and within 9 metres of a hospital entrance
- On bar and restaurant patios and within 9 metres of the patio
- On the grounds of community recreational facilities and schools, and within 20 metres of the grounds
- On playgrounds and sporting areas. And within 20 metres of those locations
Our Tobacco Enforcement Officers will respond to complaints from the public if the SFOA is not being followed. If you wish to lodge a complaint, or for more information, call 1-800-830-5978 or email talkpublichealth@nwhu.on.ca.