Tobacco enforcement officer on the job in Haldimand County

Arron Pickard
Dunnville Chronicle
November 22, 2006

A tobacco enforcement officer is on the job in Haldimand and Norfolk Counties to ensure retailers and workplaces are abiding by the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.

November marks six months since the act was initiated and the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit has stated the majority of businesses are complying with regulations. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act required businesses to phase out the retail display of tobacco products, eventually including a complete ban of all tobacco-product displays beginning in May 2008, said Jill Steen, program co-ordinator, Population Health team for the health unit.

In addition, the act prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces and strengthens measures to ensure only those 19 years or older can purchase cigarettes.

"The tobacco enforcement officer has paid a visit to all vendors in the two counties and hasn't had much of a problem with any of them," Steen said.

"This isn't new, so everyone is aware of it and are complying with the act."

The health unit phased the act in over time, Steen said, to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Fines will be issued should a retailer fail to comply with the act. For instance, Steen said any retailer caught selling cigarettes to a minor will get a $300 fine and, in terms of smoking in an enclosed space, violators will be handed a $250 fine.

"Supplying cigarettes to a minor doesn't just apply to the retailer, it applies to everyone," Jill Steen said.

If a minor's older sibling is caught supplying cigarettes, they are also subject to the fine, she said. As for smoking in an enclosed space, that's just the wording in the act.

"Actually, if someone is caught just holding a lit cigarette in an enclosed public place or workplace, they can also be charged.

"We started off focusing on retailers and making sure they phase out the retail display of tobacco products," Steen said.

"We will branch off to other aspects of the act later, which will incorporate education in elementary schools."

"The Smoke-Free Ontario Act aims to improve the health of all Ontarians by reducing their exposure to second-hand smoke, preventing youth from starting to smoke and helping existing smokers to quit," said Healthy Environment Team program co-ordinator Glen Steen.

"Tobacco use is the No. 1 preventable cause of disease and death in Ontario."

Tobacco-related diseases cost the Ontario economy at least $1.7 billion in health care and kills 16,000 people annually, Glen Steen said.

The health unit encourages workplaces and retailers to call the health unit should they require more information, signage, education packages or presentations for their staff.

The health unit has also established a complaint line people can call if they believe someone is violating the law. People may call and leave the complaint at 519-426-6170, ext. 3278, or e-mail smokefreeontario.hnhu.org.