Tobacco Enforcement

Rules for selling tobacco and vapour products 

• The sale of flavoured vapour products is prohibited in retail establishments that are not specialty vape stores or licensed cannabis retail stores, except for, menthol, mint and tobacco flavoured vapour products. 
• The maximum allowable concentration of nicotine in a vapour product is 20 mg.
• It is illegal to sell or supply tobacco or vapour products to anyone under 19 or anyone who appears to be under 25, without first asking for ID and being satisfied that they are at least 19 years of age. 
• Retailers are required to post age restriction signs pertaining to the sale of tobacco and vapour products.

Rules for display and promotion  

Tobacco products, tobacco product accessories and vapour products:

• must be hidden from view until a customer buys them
• cannot be handled by a customer before being purchased
• cannot be promoted in a retail store

Exceptions apply to registered tobacconists and speciality vape stores.

Learn more about Ontario's rules for selling tobacco and vapour products here.

Rules regarding smoking and vaping 

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 prohibits smoking and vaping in a number of public places including: 

• enclosed workplaces such as an office building or delivery truck 
• enclosed public places 
• Restaurant and bar patios 
• schools 

Click here for a complete list.

Enforcement

Public health tobacco enforcement officers enforce the SFOA law by:  

• Carrying out regular inspections at retail stores, schools, and other workplaces   
• Following up on all complaints regarding smoking and vaping   
• Using a progressive enforcement strategy that employs a balance of education, inspections, warnings, and charges as needed

If you have questions about the Smoke-free Ontario Act, 2017 or want to file a complaint about smoking or illegal sales:

For Brantford-Brant please call 519-753-4937 ext. 6470 or email tobacco@geph.ca  

For Haldimand-Norfolk, please call 519-900-9600 ext. 3477 or email ehthotline@geph.ca    

Convictions Under Ontario's Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) 

In accordance with the Tobacco, Vapour and Smoke Protocol, 2021, tobacco and vapour product sales convictions are posted here .

Location and Address	Date	Conviction
Euro Convenience 72 Charing Cross Street	April 27, 2019   May 06, 2019	Sell tobacco to a person less than 19 years of age.  Smoke Free Ontario Act 3(1)
Circle K 121 Colborne Street West	November 11, 2019   November 27, 2019	Sell tobacco to a person less than 19 years of age.  Smoke Free Ontario Act 3(1)
Pioneer On The Run 1337 Colborne Street West	November 11, 2019   November 25, 2019	Sell tobacco to a person less than 19 years of age.  Smoke Free Ontario Act 3(1)
Pioneer On The Run 1337 Colborne Street West	November 23, 2019   December 17, 2019	Sell tobacco to a person less than 19 years of age.  Smoke Free Ontario Act 3(1)
Total Convenience 63 Brant Ave	January 19, 2020   February 11, 2020	Sell tobacco to a person less than 19 years of age.  Smoke Free Ontario Act 3(1)