Tobacco vendors receiving binder

The Northwestern and Thunder Bay District health units have been delivering information to all tobacco vendors in the region to assist them in meeting the sale and promotion requirements of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.
Tobacco enforcement officers have been making personal visits to stores and gas bars where tobacco products are sold to deliver a binder of information and check in with the vendors.
The “Not To Kids” binder, which contains details about the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, can be used to train clerks to ensure they do not sell tobacco products to someone under the age of 19.
It has been well-received by vendors.
“Most people are familiar with the fact that the Smoke-free Ontario Act requires all indoor workplaces and public spaces to be smoke-free, but fewer people realize that the act also covers the sale of tobacco products to youth under the age of 19 years old,” noted enforcement officer Wallace MacLeod from the Northwestern Health Unit in Dryden.
“And although all vendors are aware of the rules, some didn’t realize that chew and spit tobacco are also covered by this prohibition,” he added.
On May 31, 2008, the rules regarding promotion of tobacco products will change and tobacco vendors no longer will be able to display them in their store where the customer can see them.
This change is intended to remove tobacco products from the view of children and remove the temptation for smokers who have quit.
“As a general rule, most vendors understand the need to remove tobacco products from view and are supportive of protecting the little ones,” said Jennifer McKibbon, manager of the Tobacco Strategy for the Northwestern Health Unit.
The health units are hopeful the display guidelines currently being developed by the province will be available to vendors in early 2008.