The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, requires employers and proprietors to post mandatory signs relating to the prohibitions on smoking and vaping in a conspicuous manner and unobstructed from view.
On October 24, 2018, the Ontario government published its website “Where you can’t smoke or vape in Ontario”, defining “smoking and “vaping” and identifying places where smoking or vaping is prohibited, such as enclosed workplaces, enclosed public spaces, premises of health or long-term care facilities, premises of child care centres and schools.
Employers and proprietors of retail establishments, restaurants, bars and hotels should take note of their posting obligations and ensure that they are compliant with these new signage requirements.
Signs that are to be posted in enclosed workplaces, including residential or health or long-term care facilities, restaurants, bars or hotels can be found here.
Some of these signs will be updated in the near future to reflect where smoking or vaping is permissible. Our Employment and Labour Team will continue to monitor all updates on your sign posting obligations in the workplace.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.