News Release Archive
HEALTH--TOBACCO INSPECTORS ON DUTY ------------------------------------------------------------ Nova Scotia's new Tobacco Inspectors have visited more than 800 retailers since joining the Department of Health's Tobacco Control Unit in October and have warned about 400 retailers who are not complying with provincial and federal legislation. So far, 50 per cent of retailers province-wide are complying with the provincial Tobacco Access Act, aimed at restricting the sale of tobacco to youth under 19 years of age. There are approximately 2,700 tobacco retailers in Nova Scotia. "The inspectors have made a great deal of progress over the past four months," said Health Minister Ron Stewart. "They are playing a key role in our overall goal to significantly reduce youth tobacco use in this province." The majority of retailers being warned are not displaying the correct signage in their store as outlined in the federal Tobacco Sales to Young Persons Act. Starting March 1, the inspectors will check to ensure retailers are following the new provincial signage regulations announced earlier this week. The federal act prohibits tobacco sales to teens under 18 years of age. The provincial act restricts sales to teens under 19 years of age. Retailers will be charged if they sell tobacco products to minors. "The department is serious about ensuring compliance and reducing tobacco use among youth," said Merv Ungurain, Director, Tobacco Control Unit. Additional retail offences include selling single cigarettes and/or cigarette packages with less than 20 cigarettes, vending machines and self-service tobacco displays on the premises and the absence of a vendor's permit. Educating retailers is a key mandate for the inspectors. It is important for retailers to clearly understand the regulations so they can be enforced properly, said Mr. Ungurain. "The overall response from the retailers has been very positive. The majority of them are cooperative and support our initiatives," said Mr. Ungurain. The inspectors are checking with all tobacco retailers including gas stations, restaurants, bars and convenience stores. If the retailers are not complying with the regulations they will be issued a verbal and written warning. They will have 10 days to rectify the situation. The inspectors will also investigate any complaint made against a retailer. A warning will be issued and compliance checks made. Charges will be laid if the retailer does not comply. The new regulations introduced earlier this week will help the tobacco inspectors to implement a comprehensive enforcement program. The regulations involve signage, inspection, the issuing of fines, vendor compliance and requirements for proof of age. -30- EDITORS NOTE: Elizabeth McCulloch, a Tobacco Inspector with the department's Tobacco Control Unit, will be available for interviews after 3 p.m. today. Inspection figures for health regions are available by calling 902-424-4492. Contact: Lori MacLean 902-424-5025 trp Jan. 18, 1996 - 3:25 p.m.