Enforcement
On May 31, 2006 the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) will take effect making the entire province 100% smoke-free in all enclosed workplaces and public places. The goal of this new legislation is to protect workers and the public from exposure to second-hand smoke and to decrease the number of new smokers in Ontario. As outlined in the legislation, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has been designated as the primary enforcement body for this provincial legislation. The Health Unit’s team of tobacco enforcement officers will be actively enforcing this legislation under all areas and will be responsible for ensuring area wide compliance with the law and its requirements.
Health Unit staff are available to answer your questions and to receive any complaints or reports on tobacco-related enforcement issues. You can contact the Health Unit by calling the Tobacco Hotline at 258-2146, ext. 3218 or you can send an email. The Tobacco Hotline is available Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. You can leave a message and your call will be answered within one business day. All email correspondence will also be answered within one business day.
Feature of Legislation |
Tobacco |
Smoke-Free |
100% smoke free public places province-wide, including casinos, bingo halls, bowling and billiard establishments, restaurants and bars |
No |
Yes |
Designated smoking rooms |
Allowed |
Not allowed |
Controlled smoking areas (CSAs) at residential care facilities that protect residents and healthcare workers |
No |
Yes |
Smoking on patios |
Allowed |
Restricted |
Protection for Home Health Workers |
No |
Yes |
Smoking at exits to health care facilities |
Yes |
No |
Retail Cigarette Promotion Allowed |
Yes |
No |
Ban on any tobacco displays |
No |
Yes — immediate restrictions leading up to a total ban in 2008 |
Minimum age to purchase tobacco |
19 |
19 |
Apparent age to which identification to be provided |
19 |
25 |
Source: Ministry of Health Promotion
