GUELPH – Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health’s enforcement teams seized approximately $9,000 in illegal tobacco and vape products in 2024.
That’s a sharp decrease from over $45,000 in 2023, reflecting the success of ongoing enforcement efforts, according to public health staff.
Phil Wong, acting vice president of health protection and emergency preparedness, told the board of health on May 7 that health inspectors plan to focus on tobacco and vape retailers within walking distance of high schools and those with a documented history of selling to minors as it strives to steer youth away from harmful habits.
“Our goal is to get it out of the hands of youth in the community,” Wong said, noting cigarettes are not as popular with youth as they once were.
“Vaping is the new thing,” he added.
Nicotine pouches are now only allowed to be sold in pharmacies and vaping products can only be sold specialty stores. But they are still widely available and accessible to youth.
Vape products contain high nicotine concentrations, and they are highly addictive.
“And the legislation hasn’t caught up yet,” Wong said.
“Most vendors are very good, but if they are within walking distance of schools, we’re checking those vendors. It’s a constantly-changing environment and we have to keep on our toes.
“Our focus is on the bad actors.”
Board member Linda Busuttil thought inspectors should also consider students in Grades 6, 7 and 8.
“That’s on our radar,” Wong said.
Board member Erin Canton asked what happens to vendors who sell to minors.
“We lay charges,” Wong replied.
“We don’t get a lot of repeats. But if it’s tobacco sales, they could lose their license. For vape, they don’t lose their license but we keep on charging them.”
Wong said public health hires youth test shoppers to see if a store will sell to them and officials intend to strengthen this program.
He said they are also strengthening their education programs and have developed Clear Choices: Understanding Tobacco, Vaping and Cannabis, a program prepared in partnership with the Upper Grand and Wellington Catholic district school boards.
This program is aimed at students caught smoking or vaping on school property.
The board accepted the report for information.
