Tobacco and vaping laws

Smoke-Free Ontario Act

Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, you cannot smoke or hold lighted tobacco, cannabis, or use e-cigarettes:

  • In enclosed workplaces (this includes work vehicles)
  • In enclosed public places
  • In designated outdoor spaces
  • In a vehicle with children under the age of 16
  • Around publicly-owned children’s playgrounds (and public areas that fall within 20 metres of the playground)
  • On publicly-owned sporting areas and spectator areas (and public areas that fall within 20 metres of these areas)
  • On restaurant and bar patios, whether covered or not, and within nine metres of the bar or restaurant patio
  • Within nine metres of entrances or exits of long-term care homes
  • On hospital property
  • In enclosed common areas of apartment buildings
  • Within 20 metres of school property
  • Within 20 metres of a community recreational facility property

Cannabis cannot be consumed (smoked, vaped, eaten) in a vehicle or boat that is being driven or is at risk of being put into motion.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, also bans the public display of tobacco and vapour products, the promotion of tobacco products unless under certain circumstances, and the sale of tobacco and vapour products to youth under 19 years of age.

Municipal tobacco laws

Some municipalities have tobacco by-laws that put additional restrictions on places where you cannot smoke or hold lighted tobacco, cannabis, or use e-cigarettes. Contact your municipality for information or check their website.

Tobacco and vapour product retailers

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, restricts the sale of tobacco and vapour products in many ways for retailers.

Store owners must:

  • Ensure their store complies with the law
  • Be diligent in training all staff on their legal responsibilities
  • Ensure signs are posted in accordance with the law

Southeast Public Health tobacco enforcement officers conduct inspections of tobacco and vapour product retailers to ensure compliance.

If a tobacco retail premise is convicted of two or more offences in a five-year period, the store will not be allowed to sell tobacco products for up to one year. View public disclosures of Smoke-Free Ontario Act sale convictions on our inspections and enforcement page.

  • Create an internal policy. Clearly outline site-specific tobacco and vapour product storage and sales procedures and restrictions.
  • Consult with Southeast Public Health’s Tobacco Enforcement team. Contact the Tobacco Information Line for more information.

Southeast Public Health’s tobacco enforcement officers enforce the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, the City of Kingston’s Smoking and Vaporizing By-law, and the Town of Greater Napanee’s Regulate Smoking By-law. Tobacco enforcement officers conduct inspections of public places, workplaces, and tobacco and vapour product retailers to ensure compliance with the law, respond to complaints, and press charges when necessary.

Complaints, reports and service requests

To submit a complaint or incident report under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, please complete the Smoke-Free Ontario Act complaint and incident report form. This form can be used to file a complaint or report an incident at a school, long-term care home, or hospital.

To request a service or inspection related to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, please complete the Smoke-Free Ontario Act request for service and inspection form. This form can be used to request an inspection, Smoke-Free Ontario signage, or education support. This form can also be used to submit questions related to Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017.

You may also reach us by email at SFOA@SoutheastPH.ca or call 613-549-1232, extension 1333.