Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA)
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017) regulates the smoking and vaping of tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and cannabis to protect the health of the public, prevent people from starting to smoke or vape, and support quit attempts.
To learn where smoking and vaping are prohibited in Ontario, check out www.ontario.ca/page/where-you-cant-smoke-or-vape-ontario
These are a few of the common problematic areas:
- schools (including school yards and school busses)
- hospitals and attached property
- enclosed workplaces (including work vehicles)
- enclosed public places
Signage
All workplaces and public places are required by law to post “No Smoking” and “No Vaping” signs at all entrances, exits, and washrooms of the smoke-free and vape-free areas. These signs are available at no cost. Signs can be ordered by contacting us.
For sample signs and more information from the Province of Ontario, please click here.
Retail training
A guide for retailers of tobacco or vaping products is available.
Enforcement
Inspectors under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act perform the following duties relating to tobacco and vaping products:
- Display and promotion inspections at area retailers relating to sales of tobacco and vapour products
- Youth access test inspections for vapes and tobacco sales at area retailers
- General complaints and inquiries related to the SFOA Routine spot checks of prohibited locations for compliance
- Investigations related to tobacco and vaping offences
If you would like more information, would like to speak to a public health inspector, or make a complaint, you can submit your question or complaint electronically or contact us directly.
This item was last modified on November 8, 2024