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Tobacco Laws
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 (PDF), Tobacco Tax Act, and federal Tobacco Act.
Both the Tobacco Control Act (PDF) 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 to tobacco are based on research demonstrating very few people begin to use tobacco as adults. In British Columbia, the laws require:
- Retailers not to sell, offer to sell, distribute, advertise 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.
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 (PDF) employed by Health Authorities.
In addition, British Columbia established the Tobacco Testing and Disclosure Regulation (the Regulation) and became the first jurisdiction in the world to require Canadian tobacco manufacturers to disclose on a brand-by-brand basis the contents of cigarettes and tobacco and the levels of potentially toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke.
PDF Format
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Last Revised: March 19, 2008
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