Q:  What is the Smoke-Free Ontario Act?

A:  The act is a core element of the Smoke-Free Ontario strategy.

It is a landmark piece of legislation that shields workers and the public from the harmful effects of tobacco by banning smoking in enclosed public places and enclosed work places.

It also strengthens laws on tobacco sales to minors and restricts the display of tobacco products in retail outlets.

Q:  What is the goal of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act?

A:  To reduce consumption of tobacco products and to lessen tobacco-related disease in Ontario.

The Smoke-Free Ontario strategy is the most comprehensive tobacco- control strategy Ontario has ever had, and it is among the toughest and most far-reaching tobacco-control strategies in North America.

Q:  Where is smoking prohibited?

A:  Smoking is not allowed in enclosed places where people are employed, or to which the public has access, such as:

• Offices and buildings
• Work vehicles
• Bars & restaurants
• Hospitals & residential care facilities
• Schools (including school grounds)
• Licensed daycares & private home daycares
• Public transportation (including boarding and waiting areas)
• Taxi cabs, & limousines
• Shopping malls
• Arenas
• Casinos & bingo halls
• Private clubs & legion halls
• Bowling alleys
  
  

Q:  Where is smoking permitted indoors?

A:  Smoking is permitted in the following enclosed places:

• Private homes not used for day care
• Private vehicles where there are no children under the age of 16
• Designated smoking guest rooms in hotels, motels, and inns
• Approved controlled smoking areas in designated residential care, psychiatric, and veterans' facilities. 

Q:  How will the Act be enforced?

A:  Tobacco Enforcement Officers working with local Public Health Units are responsible for conducting workplace inspections, tobacco vendor inspections and ensuring compliance with the Act.  They also provide information and education on the Act.

Municipal bylaw enforcement officers are responsible for enforcing local tobacco-free bylaws which are separate from the SFOA. Contact your local bylaw office for more information.

Q:  Where can I get more information on the Act?

A:  For further information on the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and how it affects you, click here or contact:

Tobacco Enforcement

Thunder Bay District Health Unit

(807) 625-8815

To contact us online, please fill out the contact form.