Advertising for vaping products is now banned in Port Coquitlam.
Last Tuesday, city council changed its advertising policy to prohibit third-party advertising of unhealthy products – including vaping — on city land, in city publications and at city events.
Mayor Brad West said staff consulted with lawyers on the proposed policy revision and said the municipality is in a “strong position” should it be challenged in courts.
The intention of the advertisement change is to promote a healthy community, he said. And it follows provincial government regulations, due to take effect next year, to restrict vaping products and advertising, and to hike taxes on the goods as of Jan. 1.
PoCo Coun. Nancy McCurrach, who raised the topic earlier this year, said the advertisement ban on vaping aims to “protect our youth. We’re going to do the best that we can in our city.”
The updated advertising policy doesn’t extend to digital billboards, which are on private property. Sports club and special event sponsorships are also excluded.
