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Health ©

On January 21, 1992, the Minister of Health and

Social Services, Wayne D. Cheverie, announced that

the Tobacco Sales to Minors Act will come into effect on January 25, 1992.

‘*According to the Student Drug Survey conducted in 1990 by James Killorn, 29% of our Island youth

between the ages of 12 and 19 are smokers, ‘‘the

Minister noted. “‘If we can prevent children and

_ youth from starting to smoke until they are 18 years _ of age, the chance of them becoming regular smokers

is very small.”’

- The Tobacco Sales to Minors Act will use a combina-

tion of strategies to reduce tobacco consumption by youth un der the age of 18 years. One focus of the Act is on education of the public and of retailers that

itis wrong to assist children and youth to become addicted to tobacco.

The Act is also part of a long tern approach to health promotion and disease prevention. In addition to its well-known health hazards, tobacco is also considered asa **gateway’’ drug to other forms of substance abuse. Preventing children from having easy access to tobacco products will reap rewards in future Island- ers enjoying better health. This, in turn, will further reduce overall health care costs.

The Minister explained that ‘‘The system of fines in the Actclearly gives the message that selling ciga- rettes to any one under 18 is considered to be aseri-

_ ous offence by this government and will no longerbe

acceptable.’’ The fines increase from %500 fora first offence to $10,000 and loss of license to sell tobacco for the fourth offense.

The highlights of the Actas outlined by Mr. Cheverie include: |

it is illegal to sell tobacco to a person under the age of 18 years

it is illegal to buy tobacco on behalf ofa person under 18 years

itis illegal to buy tobacco for the purpose of

resale to a person under 18 years

. vending machines must be located ion premises where access is supervised to prevent sales to minors. (Such as at the university) machines will still be permitted ion premises licensed under the Liquor

UPEI X-P RESS

January 30, 1992

Control Act »

‘‘The Government of Prince Edward Island is pro- claiming the Tobacco Sales to Minors Act in an ongoing effort to prevent youth from becoming ad- dicted to a habit that has major health consequences. Research shows that tobacco will kill eight times more smokers than car accidents, suicide, murder, at AIDS and drug abuse combined,’’ said Mr. Cheverie. |

U.P.E.1/ HOLLAND COLLEGE DEBATE

Thursday, January 30, 1992, 8:00 pm Room 040, Main Building, U.P.E.I.

‘*Be it resolved that Canada should scrap its policy on bilingualism. ”’

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