Tobacco-Free Living - Smoke-Free Schools

• Smoking and/or holding lit tobacco is not allowed by anyone (staff, students, parents and visitors) anywhere on school property (school buildings, parking lot, soccer field, drive way, courtyard, cars in parking lot) at any time (24 hours, 7 days a week). This includes private schools.

• There is a minimum fine of $305.00 for smoking on school property.

• Selling, supplying or sharing cigarettes to anyone under 19 can result in a minimum fine of $365.00.

• If you are age 16 or older and break the law you can receive a fine.

• If you are age 12 to 15 you can be served a summons to attend court with your parents or guardian.

• Repeat offences can result in a higher fine.

• All schools must post "No Smoking" signs at each entrance.  Failure to post these signs may result in a fine of $240.00.

Tobacco-Free School Protocol
This protocol is being developed in partnership with the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) and Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB).

The goal of this project is to establish a Tobacco-Free Schools Protocol defining the roles and responsibilities of the City of Hamilton Public Health Services when working with School Board staff and property to promote and support tobacco-free living including prevention, protection, cessation and denormalization.

The partners will work together to ensure the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and Regulations are enforced. The Act and Regulations include prohibition of smoking and holding lighted tobacco anywhere in the school or on school property, supplying or selling tobacco to minors under 19 years of age, and posting signs on campuses where smoking is prohibited.

Read the Tobacco-Free School Protocol for:
Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) (pdf)
Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) (pdf)

Not to Kids! Coalition

The City of Hamilton is a member of the Not to Kids! Coalition, a partnership of 28 public health units in Ontario working together to support tobacco free schools and to prevent the sale and supply of tobacco to anyone under 19.

Visit the Not To Kids! website for more information and to view free resources for tobacco retailers, schools, and community members.

Visit our Tobacco-Free Living - Smoke-Free Ontario Act for more information about the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.

The City of Hamilton can help educate, enforce and promote tobacco free schools.

Phone: Tobacco Hotline 905-540-5566
Email:   tobacco@hamilton.ca

Last updated: January 11, 2010