Starting on Jan. 1, 2023, waterpipe smoking (tobacco and herbal) will not be allowed in various public places in Niagara. By-law 2022-35 was approved following public consultation and approval from regional and municipal councils.
Within nine metres of a publicly accessible entrance or exit
Outdoor public areas such as parks, playgrounds, and beaches
Tobacco control officers will use a progressive enforcement model to educate residents and business owners before progressing to warnings and charges.
Niagara's Smoke and Vape-Free Outdoor Spaces By-law
Niagara Region updated the Smoke and Vape-Free Outdoor Spaces By-law to protect children and vulnerable persons from exposure to second-hand smoke and vapour. The updated by-law prohibits the use of tobacco, cannabis and vaping products from being smoked or vaped in public spaces in Niagara.
Within nine metres of an entrance or exit of a publically accessible place, building or workplace
Parks, playgrounds and sports fields
Splash pads and outdoor pools
Arenas and recreation centres
Outdoor areas of municipal and regional buildings
Bus shelters
Smoking tobacco, cannabis and using an electronic cigarette (vaping) is prohibited on beaches and recreational trails that are maintained through the municipalities.
The sale of flavoured vapour products is restricted to specialty vape stores and licensed cannabis retail stores. Other retail stores can only sell tobacco, menthol and mint flavoured vapour products.
Specialty vape stores are no longer permitted to have indoor displays and promotions that are visible from outside their stores
The sale of vapour products with high nicotine concentrations (greater than 20 milligrams per millilitre) is prohibited in all retail establishments