Vape shop manager not concerned as Sask. raises minimum age to 19

A new law takes effect Thursday, raising the age for the purchase of tobacco or vapor products in Saskatchewan from 18 to 19.

The provincial government announced the change in November, saying the move brings the age for tobacco and vapour purchases into line with the age restrictions on alcohol and cannabis, and will help keep smoking and vaping out of schools.

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

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

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.

“But we also believe that choice should be limited to adults only,” said Rolfe. “So if you got 18 year olds coming in buying them and taking them into high school, we obviously do not support that type of idea.”

The store currently displays a sign out by one of its registers, making sure customers are aware of the change.

A sign in Mr. Vapor making sure customers are aware of the new law that requires a person to be 19 to purchase a vapor or tobacco product. (Will Mandzuk/650CKOM)

While Rolfe said the store does see a lot of 18-year-old customers, he doesn’t expect the change to negatively impact the business.

“In the long run, if this does affect our business, we’re not going to be too terribly concerned because we would rather be more accessible to adults,” he said.

With this change in age forcing some teenagers to wait a while before making their next purchase, you might expect one final wave of younger customers, but Rolfe said that wasn’t the case.

“We’ve had some kids come in and say ‘Oh, we’re not going to be old enough for like a month or two,’” said Rolfe. “We haven’t seen much backlash.”