Whereas Health Canada has stated that they share the concerns of parents, educators, youth and public stakeholders regarding the increase of youth vaping in Canada; And whereas the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch oversees provincial liquor and cannabis regulations, including licensing and monitoring of private cannabis retailers: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask that the Province of BC to include retail stores used primarily for sale of electronic nicotine or e-cigarettes under the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch and thereby include restrictions that regulate where and how many of these retail stores are able to receive business licences in a community.
Ministry of Health Thank you for your resolution regarding youth vaping and the regulation of retail stores that sell electronic nicotine and e-cigarette products. The Province shares the concerns raised by parents, educators, youth, and public health partners about rising rates of youth vaping and the associated health risks. British Columbia is taking strong action to address the harms to youth from vapour product use and has implemented legislation, regulations, cessation programs and public awareness campaigns designed to protect young people, promote health and prevent disease. The Ministry of Health is responsible for administering provincial tobacco and vapour product legislation and regulations. Retailers that sell vapour products in British Columbia must comply with the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act, the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Regulation, and the E-Substances Regulation, which together regulate the sale, use, promotion, and display of tobacco and vapour products. This regulatory framework is grounded in a public-health approach focused on reducing nicotine use and protecting young people. The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch LCRB oversees liquor and cannabis licensing and enforcement under separate legislation. At this time, the Province does not regulate vapour product retailers through the LCRB framework. Instead, tobacco and vapour products are regulated through health legislation to ensure policy and enforcement are aligned with public-health objectives. Municipal governments play an important role in regulating local business activity. Local governments have the authority to establish bylaws that regulate businesses within their jurisdiction, including zoning and business licensing decisions. Vapour product retailers are required to comply with all applicable municipal bylaws and licensing requirements, in addition to provincial health legislation. Through this shared responsibility between provincial regulation and local government authority, the Province will continue working to protect youth and reduce the harms associated with tobacco and vapour product use across British Columbia.