TOBACCO CONTROL CONSULTATION BEGINS

VICTORIA - The provincial government has today started a one-month public consultation on the proposed regulations for the new Tobacc
Control Act, passed in the legislature this year.

The proposed Tobacco Control Regulation will limit the promotion and sale of tobacco products and will ban smoking in all indoor public and work places, including smoking near most doorways, windows that open and
air intakes. Designated smoking rooms will no longer be permitted. Proposed display restrictions will prohibit tobacco displays in stores where youth under 19 years of age have access. These regulations are scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2008.

The ministry is seeking feedback on these proposed regulations from the general public as well as stakeholder groups, such as retailers, the hospitality sector, and health advocacy groups. Comments will be accepted until July 5, 2007.

People wishing to participate in the consultation will be able to provide comment on topics such as the size of the buffer zone around most doorways, windows and air intakes, proposed residential care exemptions to the smoking ban, and the new restrictions on display and sales of tobacco products.

The public and stakeholder groups are encouraged to read a discussion paper posted to the Ministry of Health web site at: www.health.gov.bc.ca/tobacco. Feedback is welcome through the above-noted website or by writing to the Ministry of Health at:

Tobacco Control Regulations Consultation Ministry of Health
1515 Blanshard St.
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 3C8