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York Region Taking Action to Reduce Youth Access to Tobacco and Vape Products

October 10, 2023

York Region Public Health is reporting higher non-compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) among a number of retailers in York Region, including a concerning increase in the sale of tobacco and vape products to minors. As a result, minors are accessing products such as cigarettes and flavoured e-cigarettes that contain nicotine.

Youth access to these products is a serious concern as nicotine found in cigarettes and most vape products is highly addictive and impacts teen brain development, affecting learning, memory, and concentration. Evidence suggests that youth who vape may be more likely to begin smoking cigarettes.

York Region Public Health is taking action to protect youth through ongoing efforts to ensure retailers comply with the SFOA. With the return of tobacco and vape enforcement efforts to pre-pandemic levels, almost 1,100 inspections have been completed at retail locations in York Region from January to August 2023, to ensure vapes are not being sold to minors. These inspections resulted in 99 charges – 50 for selling vape products to minors and 49 for selling tobacco to minors.

If a retailer fails to comply with the SFOA, Public Health will work closely with them to ensure they understand all requirements under the Act. If these requirements are not met, Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Control Officers may proceed with enforcement.

The SFOA prohibits the sale of tobacco and vape products to anyone under the age of 19 and restricts the sale of most vape flavours to specialty vape stores. The sale of vape products with nicotine content over 20 mg/ml is prohibited at all retail stores. The SFOA also prohibits the use of tobacco and vape products at schools and other public places. Public Health routinely inspects retail establishments where vape products are sold, inspects public spaces and workplaces where it is illegal to vape and investigates complaints from the public.

If you See it, Report it! Residents are Asked to Help Protect Youth

The Region has also launched a Youth and Vaping campaign to educate residents about the laws and health risks associated with youth vaping. Residents are encouraged to report any sales of tobacco or vape products to minors in York Region, if they see it happening.

Help protect youth from vaping:

  • If you see it, report it! To report someone selling or supplying vape products to anyone under 19 years of age:
    • Call: York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653; TTY 1-866-516-6228 or
    • Email: @email
  • Talk with your kids about vaping – Learn more about health risks, vaping laws and get tips and resources on how to talk with your kids

For more information, visit york.ca/YouthVaping