Enforcement blitz to limit illegally sold tobacco, vape products to youths launched

The health unit in Simcoe Muskoka is taking steps to limit access to illegal tobacco and vapour products sold to youths.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is launching an eight-week education and enforcement blitz the week of Jan. 30 in collaboration with public health units across central eastern Ontario.
In Ontario, public health officers have the authority to inspect premises to ensure tobacco and vapour product retailers follow advertising regulations, have proper signage and don't allow youth to purchase tobacco or vapour products.
"Non-compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act among some tobacco and vapour product retailers is an ongoing concern," stated Tony Makrostergios, manager of enforcement with SMDHU.
The health unit says in the last half of 2022, its enforcement officers were involved in 250 investigations related to the illegal sale of tobacco and vapour products by retailers and another 90 in response to the unlawful use of vapour products by youth at secondary schools during the fall school term.
"Our goal is to protect youth and achieve retailer compliance by eliminating the sale of vapour and commercial tobacco products to youth, including the sale of illegal products and flavoured vape e-juices at locations in Simcoe Muskoka," added Makrostergios.
If retailers are found to be non-compliant, enforcement measures may be taken by the health unit.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING | Donald Trump indicted by Manhattan grand jury: CNN sources
Donald Trump has been indicted by a Manhattan grand jury, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter -- the first time in American history that a current or former president has faced criminal charges.

EXCLUSIVE | Security increased for prime minister's advisers after break-and-enter incidents
Ottawa Police are investigating an attempted break-in at the residence of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's national security adviser, the second such incident involving one of his top aides in recent months.
'Nova Scotians' sense of safety was rocked': RCMP failures dominate inquiry's final report into 2020 mass shooting
A long list of failures by Nova Scotia RCMP leadership and policing systems dominate the final report into Nova Scotia's April 2020 mass shooting.
Meet the Canadian astronauts up for a seat on the Artemis II mission to the moon
This Sunday, NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) will announce the four astronauts that will be blasting off to fly around the moon for the Artemis II mission, one of whom will be a Canadian astronaut.
Gwyneth Paltrow not at fault for ski collision, jury decides
Gwyneth Paltrow won her court battle over a 2016 ski collision at a posh Utah ski resort after a jury decided Thursday that the movie star wasn't at fault for the crash.
Memes, ski etiquette and that missing GoPro video: Highlights from the Gwyneth Paltrow trial
When two skiers collided on a beginner run at an upscale Utah ski resort in 2016, no one could foresee that seven years later, the crash would become the subject of a closely watched celebrity trial.
Research points to common infections as cause of liver disease outbreak in kids
Scientists think they may have pinpointed the cause of a mysterious outbreak of liver disease that affected children worldwide last year.
House abandoned by couple who 'disappeared' years ago nightmare for neighbour on upscale street
A Toronto man, whose neighbours vanished eight years ago and left their home completely abandoned, said he's fed up living next door to a property that is in complete disarray.
UCP candidate, slammed for comments on pornography in schools, quits
A candidate for the United Conservative Party in southern Alberta has resigned after she posted a video claiming children are being exposed to pornography in schools.