Flavored Vape Ban in Quebec Canada
MONTREAL, Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Convenience stores in Quebec are urging Health Minister Christian Dubé to reconsider the ban on flavored vapor products, which took effect one year ago today, as the demand for these products has dramatically shifted to illegal online sources.
The Convenience Industry Council of Canada (CICC), representing corner stores across the province, is highlighting the health, financial, and legal issues that have emerged due to the ban. While Quebec’s 5,000 law-abiding convenience store owners have seen their sales drop by half, unregulated businesses have profited from selling flavored vape products and flavor enhancers either online or in-store.
"This regulation has backfired," said Michel Gadbois, Vice-President of the CICC. "Rather than protecting the public, it’s driving young people towards illegal sources and penalizing responsible convenience store owners. Health Minister Christian Dubé must address this situation."
Online Sales Boom: 600 Canadian Sites Identified by CICC
The ban has created a surge in online vaping sales across Canada, as demonstrated by a new directory from the CICC listing over 600 websites offering flavored vapes to Quebec residents. Hosted on platforms like Shopify, these sites frequently market disposable vapes with fruity flavors popular among teens, often ignoring restrictions like prohibitions on discounts, promotions, and age verification.
Storeleads.com data indicates that the top five sites—fatpanda.ca, vapeloft.com, uvapeshop.com, canvape.com, and vapevapevape.ca—generate nearly $30 million annually. These sites often offer first-order discounts, bulk pricing, and free shipping with minimal or no age verification, while also bypassing Quebec’s excise tax.
Illegal flavor enhancers, widely sold at Quebec’s 400 vape shops, add to this challenge, according to a field investigation by the CICC last spring. Although the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) has pledged to regulate these practices, enforcement has been limited.
Quebec’s convenience stores are calling on the Legault government to tackle the illicit online market and ensure vape shops follow regulations similar to those governing alcohol sales to level the playing field. “Legal retailers must adhere to fair practices, while urgent action is needed to address illegal retailers,” added Gadbois.
The CICC, representing Canada’s largest convenience store chains and regional retailers, advocates for industry interests at all government levels, providing data for business decision-making and maintaining industry standards. Quebec’s convenience store industry employs over 51,000 people, generates $14.2 billion in revenue, and contributes $6.7 billion in taxes annually.
References:
Directory of Online Sales Sites Serving the Quebec Market – click here
CICC Investigation on Flavor Ban Circumvention in Quebec – click here
Requirements for Grocery Store Alcohol Permits (French only) – click here
