The Alberta government is banning the sale of some flavoured tobacco products in a bid to curb youth smoking — but is still allowing the sale of menthol cigarettes.
The ban is one of several measures announced Thursday by Health Minister Stephen Mandel. The government is also prohibiting smoking in vehicles with children on board
The measures will be phased in over the next seven months. The prohibition on smoking in vehicles with minors starts immediately.
The ban on some flavoured tobacco products will start on June 1, 2015, along with a phasing out smaller pack sizes that young people often buy.
Opposition critics slammed the government for allowing menthol cigarettes.
NDP MLA David Eggen called the menthol tobacco ban a “triumph of insiders.”
Alberta Liberal leader Raj Sherman said the exemption is “reckless and unsafe.”
