HALIFAX – Nova Scotia’s health minister says it will take a second bill to regulate flavoured tobacco once promised public consultations are completed.
Leo Glavine says in the meantime the government intends to pass legislation that would outlaw the use of water pipes such as hookahs and e-cigarettes in indoor public places as well as the sale of e-cigarettes to those under 19.
On Wednesday, the government decided to back down on its proposal to ban flavoured tobacco under the legislation.
The about-face came after some people spoke out at a legislature committee earlier this week, saying the proposed changes had unintended consequences and did not take into account that e-cigarettes helped them quit smoking.
Both the Opposition Progressive Conservatives and the NDP say separating a key part of the current bill makes no sense when studies show the use of flavoured tobacco is prevalent among youth.
But Glavine says the government has decided to pass a strong bill now that will be bolstered by another bill to be introduced later aimed at ensuring youth do not have access to flavoured tobacco products.
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