Legislative changes will come into force this fall that will regulate the use and sale of electronic smoking devices, and public consultations will begin on access to flavoured tobacco products, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
Following recent amendments to the Smoke Free Places Act, beginning September 1, the use of electronic smoking devices will be restricted to places where smoking tobacco is permitted.
Recent amendments to the Tobacco Sales and Access Act will require that effective October 1, the sale of electronic smoking devices will be restricted to tobacconist shops and other places where the sale of tobacco is permitted, and persons will be required to be at least 19 years old to purchase these devices.
“The proclamation of these amendments is another step in our collaborative efforts to improve public policy and the health of Islanders by reducing tobacco use and protecting the public from its harmful effects,” Minister Currie said.
The number of people trying electronic smoking devices has grown exponentially, from four percent of Canadian smokers in 2004 to 27 percent in 2014. The devices are appealing to youth and many people are concerned that the devices could renormalize smoking and serve as a gateway to tobacco products.
Minister Currie said the legislative amendments were based on consultations held in 2014 with stakeholders and the public. “The changes we are making respond to a request for direction by health and education facilities, as well as the bar and restaurant industry,” he said. “During the consultations, an overwhelming number of participants were in favour of the new restrictions.”
Public consultations will begin this fall on amendments to the Tobacco Sales and Access Act to ban the sale of flavoured tobacco products in Prince Edward Island. Detail on the consultations will be made available in the fall.