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Tobacco Sales to Minors Improved but Still a Problem
Tuesday, February 26, 2013: Over the past six years, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has used enforcement to decrease the number of tobacco vendors selling cigarettes to minors. To date, we have seen some small improvements, but overall this continues to be a problem in our community.
|
Charges laid for Selling Cigarettes to a Minor |
January 1 – December 31 |
Compliance Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
(By Year) |
||
|
40 |
2007 |
96% |
|
32 |
2008 |
96% |
|
28 |
2009 |
96% |
|
55 |
2010 |
94% |
|
69 |
2011 |
93% |
|
35 |
2012 |
96% |
"Although we have seen an improvement from 2011 to 2012, any level of non-compliance is unacceptable," says Dr. Gary Kirk, Associate Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer, WECHU. "Eliminating the sale of cigarettes to anyone under 19 years of age is a key component in reducing tobacco use amongst youth. If they can't buy it, they are more likely not to use it."
Enforcement of this requirement under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act is organized through our Tobacco Test Shopping Program. As per provincial mandates, underage teen test shoppers, under the supervision of WECHU Tobacco Enforcement Officers, visit each tobacco retailer in our community many times per year and attempt to buy cigarettes. If a sale is made, the tobacco vendor is charged. These charges are very serious offences and as such a progressive enforcement model is in place. Tobacco retailers convicted of two tobacco-related offences may be subject to a six month prohibition from storing or selling tobacco products.
After seeing an unusually high increase in the number of sales to minors during the first quarter of 2011, WECHU enhanced our traditional mandated Test Shopper Program by offering a Tobacco Vendor Education Program. The program is focused on premises recently charged with an illegal sale. A WECHU representative contacts the owner or manager at an offending facility to offer an educational session for all sales staff. The session provides an overview of tobacco retailer requirements under the Act and allows vendors to ask questions and receive suggestions on how to best ensure that their facility doesn't re-offend. These education sessions are available to any tobacco retailer with or without an illegal sale and can be requested by contacting WECHU at 519-258-2146 ext. 3100. Others seeking information on the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, cessation programs, tobacco-related questions, or to file complaints related to smoke-free legislation can also contact us at the above number.
Media Contact:
Kristy McBeth
Manager, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
519-258-2146 ext. 3402
kmcbeth@wechealthunit.org