Under the Tobacco Control Act, it is illegal to sell, offer to sell, distribute, advertise or promote the use of tobacco to minors under 19 years of age. Other offences include failing to post age and health warning signs as required, selling cigarettes in packages of fewer than 20 cigarettes, and selling cigarettes from open packages.

 
The following table describes the penalties under the Tobacco Control Act where a violation has occurred after January 4, 1999:

	Violation	Ticket Fine	Court Fine	Suspension
First Offence:	Sale to Minor	$575	up to $2,500	N/A
	Other Offence	$288	up to $2,500	N/A
Second Offence:	Sale to Minor	$575	up to $5,000	6 months
	Other Offence	$288	up to $5,000	6 months
Third Offence:	Sale to Minor	$575	up to $5,000	12 months
	Other Offence	$288	up to $5,000	12 months
Additional Offences:	Sale to Minor	$575	up to $5,000	24 months
	Other Offence	$288	up to $5,000	24 months
	Not posting sign while under suspension	$575		N/A

Suspensions that result from at least one violation after August 1, 1999, will result in information about the suspended retailer being published in local newspapers and on the Ministry of Health web site.

For more information about sales of tobacco to minors, the Tobacco Control Act, and tobacco enforcement in your area, contact your local health authority. Contact your local Health Authority.

For more information on how BC is protecting our kids, see Tobacco Facts.

Last Revised: April 11, 2008