Changes to the Tobacco Control Act, Bill 62, were introduced in the legislature on Oct. 31, 2006.

The changes:

• ban signs and materials promoting or advertising the sale of tobacco products;
• ban the “power wall” display of tobacco and tobacco products in stores, and requires they be stored in closed cupboards above or below the counter;
• don’t allow stores that display tobacco and tobacco products to permit people under the age of 19 to enter; and
• ban the sale of tobacco or tobacco products in certain stores.

On Nov. 7, 2006 Doctors Nova Scotia then-President Dr. Rhonda Church spoke in support of the amendments at the Law Amendments Committee, along with Smoke-Free Nova Scotia, the Lung Association, Canadian Cancer Society and Tobacco Free Lunenburg Queens.

The amended Tobacco Control Act received royal assent on Nov. 23, 2006.