Starting Feb. 1, the minimum legal age to purchase tobacco and vaping products in Saskatchewan has been raised from 18 to 19 years of age.
In The Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and its regulations, new provincial laws have been put in place restricting the sale, display, promotion, and use of vapour products.
In the new requirements set out by The Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act, the following legislative and regulatory provisions are included:
- No smoking or vaping is allowed in enclosed public spaces, on school grounds, or near doorways and windows.
- Smoking and vaping is restricted in enclosed public spaces that include schools and school grounds.
- Smoking and vaping is now prohibited within three metres of a doorway, window, or the air intake of an enclosed public space.
- New restrictions are in place regarding the retail sale, advertising, and promotion of tobacco and vapour products.
- The sale of tobacco and all vapour products are now restricted to individuals aged 19 and older.
- The display of tobacco and vapour products is prohibited in areas where young persons have access to these products.
- The sale of tobacco and vapour products is prohibited at specified facilities that include amusement parks, arcades, and theatres that are frequented by youths.
- The advertising of vapour products is now restricted in the same manner as tobacco products. This is done by prohibiting the display of advertising and promotional signs in areas where young persons can enter or view the displays.
- New restrictions are in place for flavoured vapour products.
Retail locations that are open to persons under the age of 19 are permitted to only sell tobacco and mint or menthol-flavoured vapour products. These locations include convenience stores and gas stations.
The sale of other flavoured vapour products will continue to be restricted to adult-only specialty vape shops after coming into regulation on Sept. 1, 2021. These age-restricted specialty vape shops must display clear signage at their entrance stating that persons under the age of 19 may not enter.
The Government of Canada has posted more information about vaping online at Canada.ca under "About Vaping" and "Risks of Vaping."
For retailers to access new signs, the Government of Saskatchewan advises you contact the nearest Public Health Office. In Moose Jaw, the local office can be reached at 306-691-2300 or by email at phi@fhhr.ca.
Signage for schools can be found online at Saskatchewan.ca under "Signs for Schools."
