Tobacco, Vaping, Cannabis and Waterpipe Laws

Niagara's Waterpipe By-law

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.

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.

Smoking tobacco, cannabis and using an electronic cigarette (vaping) is prohibited on beaches and recreational trails that are maintained through the municipalities.

Smoke-Free Ontario Act

  • Public places where it's prohibited to smoke tobacco, cannabis and use an electronic cigarette (vape)

    Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act 2017:

    • All enclosed public places and workplaces in Ontario including bars and restaurants, places of work and workplace vehicles
    • Restaurant and bar patios, and within nine metres of these patios
    • Indoor common areas in condos, apartment buildings and university / college residences
    • Non-designated guest rooms in hotels, motels and inns
    • Schools, on school grounds, and all public areas within 20 metres of these grounds
    • Children's playgrounds and public areas within 20 metres of playgrounds
    • Child care centres, in places where home child care is provided, or where an early years program is provided
    • Nine metres from the entrance or exit of hospitals (public / private), psychiatric facilities, long-term care homes, independent health facilities
    • Outdoor grounds of hospitals (public / private) and psychiatric facilities
    • Publicly-owned sports fields, nearby spectator areas and public areas within 20 metres of these areas
    • Reserved seating areas at outdoor sports and entertainment locations
    • Grounds of community recreational facilities, and public areas within 20 metres of those grounds
    • Sheltered outdoor areas with a roof and more than two walls which the public or employees frequent, or are invited to (such as a bus shelter)
  • Rules for selling vaping products
    • 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
  • Additional highlights to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act
    • No smoking or using an electronic cigarette when a person under 16 is also in the motor vehicle
    • All components of electronic cigarettes are prohibited to be sold to those under 19 years of age, including e-juice

    Smoking tobacco, cannabis and using an electronic cigarette (vaping) is allowed on sidewalks, parking lots, roads and rights-of-ways.

    The Province of Ontario has more information on where you can't smoke or vape.

Contact

For more information or to report a complaint, contact the tobacco hotline at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7393

Page Feedback Did you find what you were looking for today?