Legislation is a key tool in reducing tobacco use. In BC, the sale of tobacco is governed by provincial and federal laws, including the Tobacco Control Act, Tobacco Tax Act, and federal Tobacco Act.

Both the Tobacco Control Act and Tobacco Act restrict youth access to tobacco and send an important message that tobacco requires close regulation and its use is unhealthy. Tobacco taxes are a key tool to prevent youth from starting to smoke and the reduction of overall tobacco use.

The restrictions on youth access and promotion and display of tobacco and tobacco products are based on research demonstrating very few people begin to use tobacco as adults. For more information on tobacco laws, click on the brochure Tobacco Laws in British Columbia.

In British Columbia, the laws require:

• Retailers not to sell, offer to sell, distribute, advertise, display or promote tobacco or tobacco products to anyone under the age of 19;
• Retailers to post required health warning signage – including till decals indicating legal age (door decals are optional);
• Tobacco retailers to ask for and be shown acceptable identification (ID) if they are unsure whether someone is 19 years of age or older;
• Single cigarettes (including “bidis”), cigarette packages containing fewer than 20 cigarettes and cigarettes from an open package not be sold to anyone;
• Tobacco products not be displayed in a way that permits handling before purchase.

For answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on prevention of sales to minors, click on the brochure Preventing Tobacco Sales to Minors.

For information on recent changes to the Tobacco Control Act and new regulations on display and promotion of tobacco and tobacco products, please click on Tobacco Retail Display and Promotion Restrictions.

BC’s tobacco enforcement program includes retailer education, public education, work with stakeholders, inspections, administrative checks, enforcement checks and surveillance operations. These activities are conducted by Tobacco Enforcement Officers employed by Health Authorities.

Tobacco Tax

Tobacco tax applies to all tobacco products sold by retailers. Although Provincial Sales Tax (PST) does not apply to tobacco, a retailer must register as a PST vendor to sell tobacco products.

Effective September 1, 2007 a separate TRA Certificate is required for each location where tobacco is sold at retail in British Columbia. For more information, please go to the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue Tobacco Tax website.