Tobacco Perth District Health Unit p e o R r t r Retaile Spring 2009 2008: Year in Review Tobacco Display Ban THE SMOKE-FREE ONTARIO ACT (SFOA) tobacco display ban came into effect on May 31, 2008. This section of the Act places restrictions on how tobacco can be displayed, handled and promoted in a retail store. The Perth District Health Unit would like to congratulate all tobacco retailers in Perth County for being ready for the May 31st display ban. Remember that as a tobacco retailer, you must ensure that all doors and/or curtains on storage devices are kept closed at all times. Countertop displays of tobacco products are also prohibited. Before selling to any person who appears to be under 25 years old, a retailer must ask for photo identification to ensure that the person is at least 19 years old. Acceptable identification must include a photograph of the person as well as the person’s date of birth and it must reasonably appear to have been issued by a government. Some examples are: • Ontario driver’s license • Canadian passport • Canadian citizenship card • Canadian Armed Forces identification card • Liquor Control Board of Ontario photo card 2008 Compliance Results UNDER THE SFOA, it is illegal to sell or supply tobacco products to anyone who is under 19 years old. In order to determine compliance, two rounds of test shopping were completed by Tobacco Enforcement Officers in 2008. The compliance rate for the first round of test shopping was 87%, with a total of eight retailers selling tobacco products to minors. The second round of test shopping had a compliance rate of 97%, with only two retailers selling to minors. While retailers may not request a health card, it can be accepted as identification if it is offered by the consumer and if it includes a picture and date of birth. 10 DOWNIE ST • FESTIVAL SQUARE • 2ND FLOOR • STRATFORD • ON • N5A 7K4 • 519-271-7600 • 1-877-271-7348 • www.pdhu.on.ca Flavoured Cigarillos: Bill 124 Bill 124, an Act to amend the Smoke-Free Ontario Act with respect to cigarillos was passed and given Royal Ascent on December 10, 2008. It will require that cigarillos be sold in a package size that contains at least 20 cigarillos and will prohibit the sale of flavoured cigarillos. Further information will be provided when it becomes available. Signage Reminder Retailers must post No Smoking signs at all entrances, exits, washrooms and other appropriate locations to ensure that everyone knows that smoking is prohibited. Also, retailers of cigarettes and tobacco products must post government ID signs, and age restriction and health warning signs where it is clearly visible at the point of sale. You can be charged if you fail to post these signs. If you have any questions or require new signage, please contact Lionel Belanger, Tobacco Enforcement Officer, at 519-271-7600 ext 772 or lbelanger@pdhu.on.ca NEW Smoke-Free Ontario Act Vendor on-line training www.sfoa-training.com 10 DOWNIE ST • FESTIVAL SQUARE • 2ND FLOOR • STRATFORD • ON • N5A 7K4 • 519-271-7600 • 1-877-271-7348 • www.pdhu.on.ca