Are you a wanna-be CSI investigator? Do you enjoy crime shows? Then you’ll love this section because it’s all about the law. The law about tobacco that is.
A lot of teens are sadly misinformed about laws about tobacco use and possession. We think its time to clear the smoke.
Here are some real questions we’ve been asked by teens just like you:
Is it against the law to provide tobacco to youth in Canada?
You bet it is! That means that if you give your friend a cigarette and they are under 19, you are breaking the law.
To be precise, in Ontario, it is illegal:
- For adults to buy, give or sell tobacco to youth under 19 years of age.
- For strangers to buy tobacco for youth when asked outside stores.
- For underage youth to give, sell or lend each other tobacco products.
- For retailers to sell tobacco products to youth in stores.
What is the punishment for selling or providing tobacco to youth under 19?
If you are caught supplying or selling tobacco to youth you can be fined hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Is it illegal for youth under 19 to smoke?
Even though it is against the law to provide tobacco to youth under 19, it is not illegal for youth under 19 to smoke. Say whaaat? Although many people would like to ban smoking in Canada, our law-makers are reluctant to do so for a variety of reasons.
If it’s illegal, how do teen smokers get their cigarettes?
There are three main ways young people get tobacco in Canada: social sources such as friends and family members, retail sources such as corner stores and gas stations and other retail outlets such as the internet.
Why is it illegal for teens to buy or sell tobacco?
It is against the law for teens to buy or sell tobacco because our lawmakers believe that tobacco is a dangerous and addictive substance that is lethal when used as intended.
How do you prove you are of age to buy tobacco?
Acceptable identification must include a photograph of the person, together with 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
What are the laws about chewing tobacco?
The same laws apply to any form of tobacco that can be smoked, inhaled or chewed, including snuff.
Can I be charged even if I am holding on to my best friend’s cigarette?
You cannot be charged for holding on to someone’s cigarette, but if you are under 19 years old, your friend can be charged for handing it to you.
If it’s legal to smoke, why can’t teens smoke at school?
Sorry, in Ontario, smoking is prohibited in public schools, private schools and on public school property. Our educators believe that smoking is a dangerous and unhealthy habit.
What is the new Smoke-Free Ontario Act?
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act is designed to protect the health of all Ontarians by prohibiting smoking in all enclosed workplaces and enclosed public places in Ontario as of May 31, 2006. For more information, check out this Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion Fact Sheet.
Where can I smoke outside?
It is legal to smoke outside in Ontario unless you are on school property or within a 9 meter radius of an entrance to a hospital. Some cities such as Ottawa have also banned smoking on outdoor patios.
How can I get a store clerk charged for selling tobacco to minors?
If you witness a store clerk selling tobacco to someone who is under 19, you should report this to your local public health agency.
For more info about tobacco laws in Ontario, check out the Access to Tobacco tab in our Homework Help section.
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