The Smoke Free Ontario Act (SFOA), 2017 protects people from harmful exposure to second-hand smoke in all enclosed public places, workplaces, limits smoking in many outdoor public places, and makes it more difficult for young people to purchase tobacco. As of October 17, 2018, it is illegal to smoke cannabis and vape in any place that smoking tobacco is prohibited.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is responsible for education and enforcement of the SFOA. Public Health Inspectors and Enforcement Officers conduct inspections of public places and workplaces as well as respond to complaints.
For questions or complaints, please contact the WDG Public Health tobacco enforcement line: 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4753, or email PHI.Intake@wdgpublichealth.ca
View the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 factsheets.
What substances are included in the Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017?
The Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFAO, 2017) replaces and repeals the previous Smoke-Free Ontario Act and Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2015 with a single legislative framework to regulate tobacco products, vapour products, and cannabis (both medical and non-medical).
Where is the use of non-medical cannabis permitted?
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 applies to the consumption of cannabis, both medical and non-medical. This means non-medical cannabis can only be smoked or vaped in the same places as tobacco products. It also prohibits any method of cannabis consumption (e.g. smoking, vaping, ingestion) in a vehicle or boat that is being driven or under a person’s care or control.
Tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and cannabis (both medical and non-medical) are prohibited in the following places:
- An enclosed public place
- An enclosed workplace
- A childcare centre
- The reserved seating of a sports arena, outdoor facility, or entertainment venue
- The outdoor grounds of a hospital, community health facility, or psychiatric facility
- Restaurant or bar patios,
- Children’s playgrounds and all public areas within 20 metres of any point of the perimeter of the playground. Including (but not limited to):
- Slides
- Swings
- Climbing apparatuses
- Splash pads
- Wading pools
- Sand boxes
- Sporting areas, spectator areas adjacent to sporting areas, and public areas within 20 metres of any point of the perimeter of a sporting area or spectator area. Examples include:
- Soccer field
- Football field
- Basketball court
- Tennis court
- Baseball, softball or cricket field
- Skating rink
- Beach volleyball court
- Running track
- Swimming pool
- Skateboarding park
- Common areas of multi-unit residences. Examples include:
- Elevators
- Stairwells
- Hallways
- Parking garages
- Laundry facilities
- Lobbies
- Exercise areas
- Party or entertainment rooms
New areas tobacco, e-cigarettes and cannabis use is prohibited under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017:
- The outdoor grounds of community recreational facilities and the areas within 20 metres of the perimeter
- Public areas within 20 metres of the perimeter of the grounds of a school
- Public areas within 9 metres of a restaurant or bar patio
For more information, visit Smoke Free Ontario.
