News Release Archive
HEALTH--TOBACCO INSPECTORS ON DUTY
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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.
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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.