**The information contained in the Out-of-Home Advertising Guidelines (the “Guidelines”) is being provided for general information purposes only. The information in the Guidelines does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Readers are advised to seek specific legal advice by contacting their own legal counsel regarding any of the information contained herein including, but not limited to, legislative interpretation or specific legal issues.  OMAC does not warrant or guarantee the quality, accuracy or completeness of any information provided.  Moreover, the information in the Guidelines that refers to third party information, including but not limited to government legislation, should not be relied upon as accurate, timely or fit for any particular purpose. Stated simply, readers should consult their legal counsel before undertaking or accepting any advertising to ensure legal obligations and interpretations are accurate.

Tobacco law is governed federally however provinces and municipalities may enact their own bylaws. Where there is a conflict between a provision of federal Act and a provision of a provincial bylaw that regulates, restricts or prohibits smoking, the more restrictive provision prevails. In most cases provincial statutes do not address general media advertising but detail from the corresponding Act follows for your information.

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Governed by Alberta Tobacco Reduction Act

• Retail displays, advertising and promotion of tobacco products are banned
• Tobacco product displays and advertising
  • Any kind of promotional material that reflects a brand of tobacco product is prohibited in any place tobacco products are sold. Examples of prohibited displays include:
  • Decorative panels or backdrops that feature a brand of tobacco products
  • Backlit or illuminated panels that include tobacco products and brand indicators
  • Countertop displays of tobacco products or other products which include a brand indicator;
  • Any advertisement or promotion in a place where tobacco products are sold or that is visible from outside a place where tobacco products are sold.

For the complete Tobacco Reduction Act, visit
http://www.qp.alberta.ca/574.cfm?page=T03P8.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779737901

Amendments current as of January 2008
Date of OMAC update: November 2009