Attention News Editor:

News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         April 4, 2012

Tobacco vendor compliance with youth access legislation

Tobacco Enforcement Officers and youth working at the Grey Bruce Health Unit have visited over half of the tobacco retail vendors in Grey Bruce to verify youth access under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. Youth enter retail stores, such as convenience stores and grocery stores, and attempt to purchase a tobacco product. It is illegal to sell tobacco products to a person under the age of 19.

Instances of failure to comply with youth access is up from this time last year. To date, there have been 10 sales with just over half of retailers tested. In comparison, in the first round of all tobacco retail visits in 2011, there were 6 sales to minors.

The Grey Bruce Health Unit is offering free tobacco vendor information sessions to help employers and employees understand their responsibilities under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. The session will also offer a greater understanding of the importance of preventing tobacco sales to minors and the consequences of breaking this law. Two workshops will be held at the Grey Bruce Health Unit.  Organizations are invited to send as many staff to the training as they wish. The workshops will be held on April 16, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. and April 26, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A session is also planned for the Walkerton-Hanover area.

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For more information:

Angela Newman

Manager, Tobacco Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit    

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1252

a.newman@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca