On March 31, 2008, new tobacco legislation will come fully into force.

The amended Tobacco Control Act:

• bans smoking in indoor public places and work places;
• bans smoking near public doorways, open windows, and air intakes; and
• limits the display and sales of tobacco and tobacco products.

Why are we focusing on reducing tobacco use?

Tobacco-related illness is the leading cause of preventable death in BC. Tobacco use causes up to 6,000 deaths in BC each year.   Smoking kills more people in BC than all other drugs, motor vehicle collisions, murder, suicide and HIV/AIDS combined.

What do these changes mean for you?

Virtually all businesses and employers are affected by the new laws. Resources and support are available to help businesses comply with the new laws.

The new regulation will mean changes in your community.

Find out how these changes might affect you, and what you should know about the new tobacco laws.

Tobacco Control Program

The Tobacco Control Program develops legislation, programs and resources to prevent tobacco use, help people quit smoking and protect British Columbian's from exposure to second hand smoke.

BC’s health authorities and their staff, including Regional Tobacco Reduction Coordinators and Tobacco Enforcement Officers deliver many of these programs.

For More Information:

Tobacco Control Program
Ministry of Health
Government of British Columbia
1515 Blanshard Street, 4th Floor
Victoria, British Columbia V8W 3C8
Canada
Phone: (250) 952-1673
FAX: (250) 952-1570
E-mail: HLTH.TobaccoInfo@gov.bc.ca