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A FEW ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
- What is the legal age in my province?
In British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, P.E.I. and Nunavut you must be 19 years of age.
In the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec you must be 18 years of age.
- Can I sell tobacco to a minor who brings a signed note from a parent?
A note from an adult does not permit a retailer to sell tobacco to a minor. The retailer could still be fined or face license suspension.
- Can I sell tobacco to a minor when a parent calls and requests it?
A phone call from a parent does not make the sale legal. A retailer should explain that the law states that adults have to come in person to purchase tobacco.
- What is a valid I.D.?
In all provinces except Ontario valid I.D. is:
- Drivers license
- Passport
- Canadian permanent resident card
- Certificate of Canadian citizenship
- Canadian Armed Forces I.D. card
Also acceptable are any documents issued by a federal or provincial authority which contain a photo, date of birth and a signature. SCHOOL I.D. IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
In Ontario only, valid I.D. is:
- A driver's license issued by the Province of Ontario with a photograph of the person to whom the licence is issued
- A Canadian passport
- A Canadian citizenship card with a photograph of the person to whom the card is issued
- A Canadian Armed Forces identification card
- A photo card issued by the Liquor Licence Board of Ontario
SCHOOL I.D. CARDS DO NOT CONSTITUTE VALID PROOF OF AGE.
- Can I sell rolling papers to minors?
No "tobacco product" can be sold to minors, including:
- Cigarettes and cigars
- Rolling papers
- Tubes and filters
- Tobacco leaves and extract
- Can I give out matches to kids?
The law prohibits retailers from GIVING AWAY "accessories that display a tobacco brand" to any customer. These include:
- Matches
- Lighters
- Pipes
- Cigarette holders
- Cigar clips
- Sometimes kids ask an adult entering the store to buy cigarettes for them. What should I do?
It's illegal for adults to purchase tobacco for minors. If a retailer has reason to believe that an adult is buying for a minor, the retailer should refuse the sale.
- How can I ensure my staff refuses tobacco sales to minors when I am not present?
Encourage retailers to follow these basic "rules":
Clear store policy: Establish a clear store policy against selling to minors. Have your staff sign a written pledge to uphold the law or face possible job loss.
Display your colours: Display Operation I.D. material or signage from a similar program in your store. This will not only warn young customers in advance it will remind your staff to ask for I.D.
Training: Train your staff. Use the Operation I.D. training guides. The "Special Edition Training Guide for Young Employees" provides younger clerks with useful tips on refusing sales to peers.
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