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Smoking in vehicles with children banned Oct. 1

The Saskatchewan government is following through on its commitment to protect children under-16 from second-hand smoke in vehicles.

The Saskatchewan government is following through on its commitment to protect children under-16 from second-hand smoke in vehicles.

This is one of the provisions coming into effect on October 1 as part of the second round of amendments under The Tobacco Control Amendment Act, 2010. It also includes prohibiting smoking in enclosed common areas of multi-unit dwellings and prohibiting smoking within three meters of doorways, windows and air intakes of public buildings.

Other provisions that will also come into effect at this time are prohibiting the sale of little cigars in packages of less than 20, a ban on all outdoor signs that advertise tobacco products, and increased restrictions on the use of indoor signs promoting tobacco.

"Protecting people from exposure to tobacco smoke is important and we believe this new tobacco control legislation supports a healthier Saskatchewan for everyone," Health Minister Don McMorris said.

The legislation under The Tobacco Control Amendment Act, 2010 is implemented in three stages. The provision prohibiting tobacco use on school grounds was proclaimed on August 15.

"The October 1 provisions will further restrict youth access to tobacco products and continue to protect our residents from the harms of environmental tobacco smoke," McMorris added.

The final stage will occur early in 2011 and will include the provision that prohibits the sale of tobacco in pharmacies.