(980 CJME/ File Photo)

By Nolan Kowal

Up in smoke

‘I’m totally fine with it’: P.A. vape shop reacts to legal age change in province

Feb 2, 2024 | 5:00 PM

Vape shops across Saskatchewan are reacting to new legislation that has changed the legal age to purchase tobacco and vapour products from 18 to 19.

The new law came into effect on Feb. 1 as part of Bill 147.

“Not really overly surprised about it,” said Shawn Nilghe, who owns the Smoke Hut in Prince Albert. “It’s just one of those things we saw coming from a mile away. They’re just trying to cater towards the cannabis and liquor age all being 19. I’m totally fine with it.”

Nilghe doesn’t anticipate that the change will impact their business too much, with most of their customers being a little bit older.

“For the most part, we don’t get a whole lot (of younger people). We kind of cater towards more of the 21-30 range for the most part,” Nilghe added.

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Darren Rolfe, the assistant manager at Mr. Vapor 2 in Saskatoon, also said he’s in full support of the change.

“We believe that it is definitely a step towards the right direction,” he explained.

The potential of developing a nicotine addiction is a concern when young people purchase vapes, and Rolfe said when it comes to addictions, adults are free to choose their vices.

Meanwhile, it’s the youth that inspired the province to up the age.

“These products have no place in Saskatchewan schools and I’m pleased that MLAs on both sides of the house voted unanimously to take the necessary steps to protect students from being exposed to these products,” explained Everett Hindley, Saskatchewan’s Health Minister.

-With files from CKOM News