Starting Canada Day, the Ontario government will ban the sale of flavoured cigarillos, a tobacco product widely thought to be aimed at young people.
In a news release issued Tuesday, the government said besides prohibiting the sale and distribution of flavoured cigarillos, it will also restrict how menthol and unflavoured cigarillos will be sold
Those cigarillos will have to be sold in packages of 20, which is the same as cigarettes.
"Prior to these amendments, cigarillos in flavours like pina colada, grape, and chocolate were sold in brightly coloured 'kiddie packs' sometimes for less than $2 at convenience stores," the government said.
"By adding flavours, using colours in the wrapping and packaging, and selling them in small packages, these products were targeting youth."
The government cited Health Canada statistics that sales of the little cigars rose to 403 million units in 2007 from 53 million units in 2001.
Fines for selling improperly packaged cigarillos and flavoured cigarillos will range from $2,000 to $5,000.
Corporate fines will range between $100,000 and $300,000.
