Tobacco & Vapour Products Enforcement Program
In Vancouver Coastal Health, the regional Tobacco and Vapour Products Enforcement Program ensures tobacco and vapour product retailer compliance with various Provincial regulations and acts. A combination of education, monitoring activities and progressive enforcement are used to obtain compliance.
Resources
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Retailer resource and information pamphlet
Information and helpful tips to ensure you and your staff are trained and comply with the ESR, TVPCA & TVPCR.
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Smoke-Free Housing BC
Information and strategies to support people suffering from exposure to second-hand smoke.
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BC Healthy Living Alliance
Works to advance and support health-promoting policies, environments, programs and services so that British Columbians have more opportunities to be healthier.
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Routine inspections
Routine inspections form the foundation of the Tobacco & Vapour Products Enforcement Program. These inspections represent an opportunity to educate the retailer and assess compliance with product, display, advertisement and signage requirements. Routine inspections are conducted when businesses first start selling tobacco or vapour products, when there is a change in ownership, and semi-annually to confirm ownership, provide information, signage and check compliance. All aspects of the program are discussed during a routine inspection.
Compliance checks
Compliance checks are done to gauge a retailer’s compliance with the regulations respecting the sale of tobacco and vapour products to those of legal age. A team of Minor Test Shoppers (MTS) are recruited and trained to assist the Tobacco & Vapour Enforcement Officer (TVEO) when conducting compliance checks.
Progressive enforcement
TVEOs utilize discretion when applying increasing levels of enforcement to ensure regulated parties comply with regulatory requirements. Progressive enforcement includes education, warnings, and if theses early steps are unsuccessful in gaining compliance, proceeds finally to various penalties. These penalties can include the issuance of provincial violation tickets, correction orders, pursuing long-form prosecution, and the use of administrative hearings to seek out administrative penalties.
Contact us
For general information, complaints and feedback, contact: tvp@vch.ca.