Tobacco and Vapour Vendor Information

Smoke-Free Ontario Act

All tobacco and vapour vendors are required to follow the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017. This law sets the following regulations for retailers:

• Prohibits selling or sharing any form of tobacco or vapour products to those under 19
• Ensures tobacco and vapour products are hidden from the public in all stores
• Prohibits vapour products to be promoted in non-specialty vape stores
• Prohibits the sale of favoured tobacco and vapour products including flavoured cigarillos at retail. Limited exemptions for specialty stores.
• Prohibits the sale of vapour products with concentrations above 20 milligrams per millilitre at retail. Exemption for registered specialty vape stores.

Information for all vendors

Retail establishments selling tobacco or vapour products are strongly encouraged to read and understand the Smoke-Free Ontario Act: Guide for Vendors 2021. This guide can be used to help ensure your business is meeting the requirements to sell tobacco and vapour products.

Education, compliance and signage

Tobacco control officers will inspect all stores that sell tobacco and vapour products to ensure they follow the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017. They look at how these products are displayed and promoted. Officers also conduct extra inspections to see if vendors are selling tobacco and vapour products to people under 19.

If officers find illegal tobacco and / or vapour products, they can seize products and issue warning notices or fines. They use progressive enforcement when needed to ensure compliance.

All vendors selling tobacco or vapour products must display the required signs that state the legal age and the dangers of smoking. Order signage online or call 905-688-8248 ext. 7590 or toll-free at 1-888-505-6074.

See the rules for selling tobacco and vapour products for more details and restrictions.

Registration for specialty vape store and / or tobacconists

You must register with Niagara Region Public Health to become a specialty vape store or tobacconist.

See the guidelines for registration and review the requirements:

• Specialty vape store registration
• Tobacconist registration

Complete and submit the forms by:

• Email: inspect@niagararegion.ca
• Mail:
  Niagara Region Public Health
  1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way
  P.O. Box 1042
  Thorold, Ontario L2V 4T7

If you have questions, concerns or complaints, email Public Health or call 905-688-8248 ext. 7590 or toll-free at 1-888-505-6074.

Public Health

Tobacco

• Quit Smoking
• Smoke-free Ontario Act