No local tobacco retailers have run afoul of the ban on smoking displays in stores since the legislation was enacted May 31, says Suzanne White.
The head of the local health unit's Smoke-Free Ontario bylaw enforcement department said there have been no fines -- everybody is in compliance with the new law.
"No, we haven't laid any charges," White said, Thursday. "The enforcement officers did a great job of education."
In fact, four education workshops for tobacco sellers were given by the Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit staff to make sure everyone understood the provisions of the bylaw enacted by the province.
As of May 31, the smoke-free bylaw forbade the display of tobacco wherever the products are sold in Ontario. The ban was enacted for three reasons, White said, including hiding the colourful tobacco power walls, as they were called, from impressionable children.
"Stop youth from smoking, help smokers who are trying to quit and help ex-smokers stay smoke free," she said.
However, the bylaw was not popular with retailers. Some failed to see how it would keep children from smoking since kids can view it everyday on the street.
Second, the bylaw is not being enforced on Tyendinaga Territory, which is federal jurisdiction.
A full report on smoke-free bylaw compliance and charges and fines for those retailers who sold tobacco products to minors, will be presented to the health unit board at its September meeting, White said.