The Manitoba government on Monday introduced legislation that would ban the sale of e-cigarettes to minors, place restrictions on their advertising and promotion, and prohibit their use in most indoor public places.
“There are many unanswered questions surrounding the safety of e-cigarettes and their total impact on smoking rates,” said Healthy Living Minister Deanne Crothers. “Our goal is to find a balance that minimizes possible health risks to children and other bystanders, while acknowledging that some individuals use these products to help them quit smoking.”
The proposed amendments prohibiting sale to minors and restricting advertising, display and promotion are the same as current regulations that apply to tobacco products.
The new rules would further ban e-cigarette use in most indoor public places where smoking is currently prohibited, such as schools, libraries, hospitals, malls, restaurants, indoor workplaces and vehicles where children under the age of 16 are present.
