‘Concerning’ spike in Hamilton youth buying nicotine products: report

A new Hamilton Public Health report suggests there is a “concerning” increase in youth accessing and purchasing nicotine products in the city following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Enforcement officers laid 80 charges during nearly 1,200 retail inspections since the start of 2023, including 50 for supplying vapour products to minors and 30 for providing tobacco to minors.

The report also indicates that officers seized a number of illegal vapour products, resulting in owners and operators facing fines.

READ MORE: Burlington OPP seize $700,000 worth of illegal tobacco

Selling or supplying tobacco or vapour products to an individual under 19 years old can result in a $490 fine. Unlicensed locations selling flavoured vapour products or high-concentration nicotine products can be charged $365.

There are 342 retailers in Hamilton licensed to sell tobacco products and 337 retailers licensed to sell vapour products, with some retailers selling both.

The province’s Smoke Free Ontario Act prohibits the sale of tobacco and vapour products to anyone under the age of 19, restricts most flavours and high nicotine vapour products to specialty stores, and forbids the use of these products at schools and other public places.

READ MORE: Police investigate ‘targeted’ Stoney Creek Mountain property fire

“Access to these products is concerning because nicotine impacts the development of the teenage brain, affecting learning, memory, and concentration,” the report reads.

“Evidence shows that youth who vape are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes.”

The Canadian Lung Association says there are currently 7,000 flavours of vapes available in Canada, with some kids starting vaping as early as 15 years old.

READ MORE: Hamilton police 2022 data shows 7% hike in use of force over year before