Tobacco reduction – Sales restrictions
Tobacco sales restrictions as of January 1, 2009
Alberta’s Tobacco Reduction Act came into effect on January 1, 2008, amending the former Smoke-free Places Act. The Tobacco Reduction Act:- Prohibits smoking in all public places and workplaces since January 1, 2008.
- Bans retail displays, advertising and promotion of tobacco products effective July 1, 2008.
- Prohibits the sale of tobacco products from all health care facilities, public post-secondary campuses, pharmacies and stores that contain a pharmacy, effective January 1, 2009.
Sale of tobacco in certain places prohibited
According to Section 7.3 of the Act:
No person shall sell tobacco products or offer tobacco products for sale in any of the following places:
- A health-care facility in which one or more health professionals regulated under the Health Professions Act or another enactment provide services;
- The campus of a public post-secondary institution under the Post-secondary Learning Act;
- A pharmacy;
- A retail store if:
- A pharmacy is located in the retail store; or
- Customers of the pharmacy can enter the retail store directly or by use of a corridor or area used exclusively to connect the pharmacy with the retail store.
Enforcement
Peace officers within the meaning of the Provincial Offences Procedure Act (this includes police, RCMP and special constables) as well as investigators within the Tobacco Enforcement Unit of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission will be enforcing the Tobacco Reduction Act.
Fines
A person in contravention of the Tobacco Reduction Act may be subject to fines or tickets.
- Under the Act, fines range from $1,000 to up to $100,000.
In addition to the fines outlined in the Act, it should also be noted that ticketing under the Provincial Offences Procedure Act is another potential sanction that can be applied for non-compliance.
- Ticket amounts range from $250 to $500.
Retailers are advised to review the Tobacco Reduction Act and the Provincial Offences Procedure Act Part 4 to understand the specific offences that may be applied or consult legal counsel for clarification.
