Peel Public Health enforces the provincial Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017. The act helps reduce youth access to tobacco and vapour products (e.g., electronic cigarettes), and protects the public from second-hand tobacco smoke, cannabis smoke, and vapour from e-cigarettes.
The Region also enforces two municipal by-laws related to smoking: the Peel Waterpipe Smoking By-law and the Peel Outdoor No Smoking or No Vaping By-law
Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017
Peel Public Health inspectors enforce the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017.
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 outlines the rules for smoking (cannabis and tobacco smoking) and vaping (all types of vaping). The act also describes the responsibilities of tobacco and e-cigarette retailers. Visit Smoke-Free Ontario for details.
Visit our Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 resource page for the following:
- fact sheets explaining how the law applies to different settings
- proprietor, employer and retailer signs
- specialty vape store and tobacconist application forms and guidelines
Peel Public Health releases legal convictions under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 .
Prospective buyers of tobacco retail locations are encouraged to read the Disclaimer: Tobacco Sales Offences and Automatic Prohibitions.
Other cannabis related legislation
Peel Public Health enforces Ontario’s rules on cannabis use.
For other aspects of cannabis legalization, including retail sales, possession, growing cannabis, and driving safety, visit the Government of Ontario's cannabis legalization webpage.
Municipal smoking By-laws
Peel Public Health inspectors also enforce the Peel Waterpipe Smoking By-law and the Peel Outdoor Smoking By-law.
The Peel Waterpipe Smoking By-law does not allow waterpipe smoking in the following settings:
- enclosed public places (including, restaurants, bars, and cafes)
- enclosed workplaces
- restaurant and bar patios
- certain outdoor settings.
A waterpipe is also commonly referred to as a hookah or shisha. Enforcement of the Peel Waterpipe By-law began October 15, 2018.
The Peel Outdoor No Smoking or No Vaping By-law bans smoking or vaping of any substance, such as tobacco, recreational and medical cannabis, shisha, etc., on the property of:
- Outdoor public places such as parks, swimming pools, trails or paths, and sports fields.
- Outdoor municipal and regional properties, such as libraries, museums, municipal offices and transit facilities.
- Outdoor construction sites.
The by-law also bans smoking or vaping within 9 metres of any:
- Indoor public place such as, medical centres, shopping malls, and restaurants.
- Indoor workplaces like office buildings.
See our By-law questions and answers document for more information.
Resources
If you have any questions about tobacco, cannabis and vaping enforcement, email Peel Public Health or call 905-799-7700 to speak with a Public Health Inspector.
