New anti-smoking laws in Ontario
Published on April 9, 2008 3:58 AM
Business owners and smokers from Ontario noted that new legislation, aiming to halt smoking among people, may hinder sales of tobacco products.
Antismoking experts advised business owners to install new racks in order to cover cigarettes, and cigarettes displayed in the store must be concealed until they are purchased.
Actually, the 20 year old smoker thinks that the government is encroaching on the public's freedom. And the inhabitants, especially young people are convinced that the new legislation will do nothing to prevent smoking because people will continue to do what they want "no matter what".
Ali Hamade, a manager of five Big Bee stores in southern Ontario, said that the new shelves will slow down his customer service.
A 10 year smoker said that the new law will "hurt" the tobacco productivity. But not all merchants and smokers think the same. There are a lot of smokers which estimate that smoking ban is a positive legislation.
A merchant, for his five year old business declared that he is prepared to lose 25% in tobacco sales, and he is ready to fill the shelves spaces with other items but not with cigarettes. He considers that the new law will vary for each store and will depend on the location.
Linda Rix, manager of the chronic disease prevention division, ensures owners that this is only temporary and business will be back to normal soon after the implementation of the law.
She said: "In some places it takes a bit to get used to, and then it's OK, because people who still want cigarettes are still going to want cigarettes."
The tobacco product can be showed briefly when the employee is providing the product to the customer during a transaction. Also, if customers need help in making a choice, the employee can provide them with a binder displaying pictures of the products along with the price.
Everything else, including storing, transporting, re-stocking and taking inventory of tobacco products must be done out of the sight of the customer.
There is a list of "unacceptable storage devices” provided by the ministry, which includes large cupboards, "bottom-hinge flip-down covers," curtains, blinds, horizontal sliding doors and garage door style covers.
Rix has assured business owners that he wants to work with them on meeting the new requirements.
"We aren't here to convict you. We are here to help you," Rix said.
If a businesses fails to comply with the new law, the employee would be charged $4,000 and the business $10,000. For a second offense, the employee would be charged $100,000 and the business $150,000.