Smoking and vaping is not permitted in enclosed public places. An “enclosed public place” means the inside of any place, building, structure or vehicle (or any part of them) that is covered by a roof and where the public is ordinarily invited or has access, regardless of whether a fee is charged for entry.
Exemption - Traditional Use of Tobacco by Indigenous Persons
The prohibition on smoking tobacco and holding lighted tobacco in an enclosed workplace or an enclosed public place does not apply to:
- An Indigenous person who smokes tobacco or holds lighted tobacco for traditional Indigenous cultural or spiritual purposes.
- A non-Indigenous person who smokes tobacco or holds lighted tobacco, if the activity is carried out with an Indigenous person for traditional Indigenous cultural or spiritual purposes.
Responsibilities of Proprietors of Enclosed Public Places
The SFOA, 2017 requires proprietors of enclosed public places to ensure that smoking and vaping laws are followed. A proprietor includes the owner, operator or person in charge of an enclosed public place.
Every proprietor of an enclosed public place must:
- Give notice to the public that smoking or vaping is not allowed in the place.
- Post “No Smoking” and “No Vaping” signs, or a dual “No Smoking and No Vaping” sign at entrances, exits and washrooms of the place, in appropriate locations and in sufficient numbers, to ensure that the public is aware that smoking and vaping is not allowed.
- Ensure that no ashtrays or similar items remain in the place.
- Ensure that no one smokes or vapes in the place.
- Ensure that someone who refuses to comply with Ontario’s smoking and vaping laws does not remain in the place.
Enforcement
Local public health units will carry out inspections and respond to complaints of smoking and vaping in enclosed public places.
Penalties
An individual who violates the prohibition on smoking or vaping in an enclosed public place may be charged with an offence, and on conviction could be subject to a maximum fine of $1,000 (for a first offence) or $5,000 (for any further offence).
Signage responsibilities
- For individuals: $2,000 (for a first offence); $5000 (for a second offence); $10,000 (for a third offence); $50,000 (four or more offences).
- For corporations: $5,000 (for a first offence); $10,000 (for a second offence); $25,000 (for a third offence); $75,000 (four or more offences).
Other responsibilities
- For individuals: $1,000 (for a first offence); $5,000 (two or more offences).
- For corporations: $100,000 (for a first offence); $300,000 (two or more offences).
This page is intended as a quick reference only and should not be considered to be legal advice.
Print the Enclosed Public Spaces Fact Sheet.
