More topics

Enforcement

Last updated on July 24, 2026

Enforcement of the tobacco and vapour legislation includes activities such as retailer education, public education, partner relations, inspections, surveillance operations, and administrative hearings.

On this page

Enforcement activities

Health authority enforcement officers actively work with retailers and the public to help them follow new and existing laws. Their activities include:

These are guided by the Compliance and Enforcement Policy Manual (PDF, 389KB). The goal is to ensure everyone is meeting the requirements through progressive enforcement options while keeping the public safe from the harms of nicotine.

Contraventions of the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act

Under the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act, it is illegal to sell, offer to sell, distribute, advertise or promote the use of tobacco or vapour products to individuals under 19 years of age.

Other offences may include:

  • Failing to put up age warning signs as required
  • Selling cigarettes in open packages or packages of fewer than 20 cigarettes
  • Smoking or vaping in a prohibited place, like on school property or school grounds
  • Displaying or promoting tobacco or vapour products in a prohibited manner

Penalties and administrative hearings

Penalties for contraventions under legislation differ based on the violation type, retailer history and enforcement method. An enforcement or police officer can issue a ticket or request an administrative hearing when a retailer has violated the E-Substance Regulation or the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and Regulation. Conservation officers have the authority to ticket for contraventions of the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and Regulation only.

Tickets and fine amounts

Tickets range from $345 to $575 depending on the contravention and can be heard through the provincial court system.

Fine amounts for contraventions of the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and Regulation are provided under the Violation Ticket Administration and Fines Regulation, B.C. Reg. 89/97.

For more information on fine amounts, see the Tobacco and Vapour Products Contraventions and Fine Amounts (PDF, 137.2KB).

Administrative hearings

An administrative hearing occurs when progressive enforcement could not change a retailer’s actions, such as selling or displaying tobacco or vapour products to a minor. Both the retailer and enforcement officer have an opportunity to provide evidence in a hearing with an administrator of the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act.

Under the administrative hearing there can be:

  • Monetary penalties of up to $5,000
  • Suspension of tobacco sales authorizations of up to 180 days
  • Prohibition of sale of vapour products of up to 180 days

For more information on penalty amounts, see Schedule 2 and 3: Administrative Hearing Penalties (PDF, 112KB).

View all B.C. tobacco and vapour product administrative hearing decisions. 

Contraventions of the E-Substances Regulation

If a retailer contravenes the E-Substance Regulation and progressive enforcement does not work, an enforcement officer may report to Crown Counsel to start the long form prosecution process. After a successful conviction, a judge will determine the appropriate sentence based on the facts of the case, and the sentencing and penalty provisions under the Public Health Act.

A health officer authorised under the Public Health Act can take additional enforcement actions that they believe is reasonably necessary. This includes issuing orders to a person to comply with the Public Health Act and E-Substances Regulation and to take actions to prevent harms in relation to a health hazard.

Health Canada inspections

Health Canada inspectors also perform inspections where tobacco and vapour products are sold or promoted, such as:

  • Retailers
  • Manufacturers
  • Online-based establishments

They ensure the compliance and enforcement of manufacturers, importers and retailers of vapour products under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act and Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.

B.C.’s tobacco and vapour enforcement officers work with Health Canada inspectors to ensure that both provincial and federal laws are followed. They ensure that B.C. retailers comply with the packaging and labelling standards outlined in the Vaping Products Labelling and Packaging Regulations and Tobacco and Vaping Products Act.

To learn more about smoking prevention programs in your area, or to ask questions about enforcement of tobacco and vapour product control laws, contact your local health authority: