How old do I have to be to smoke?

You must be at least 18 years old to purchase or smoke tobacco products.

Where am I allowed to smoke?

If you are old enough to legally smoke, you still cannot smoke in any enclosed public place or an indoor workplace in Manitoba.If you are found smoking in a restricted area you may be fined. For first offences, fines run between $100 and $500. This does not apply to traditional Aboriginal spiritual or cultural practices or ceremonies.

If you are old enough to legally smoke, you can smoke outside or in a private residence.

Alcohol

How old do I have to be to drink alcohol?

You must be at least 18 to purchase alcohol.

You must be at least 18 to drink alcohol on your own.

You may only drink alcohol when you are under 18 if you are with a parent or guardian who is over 18 years of age.

Where can I go for help if I am addicted to alcohol?

If you or someone close to you has a problem with alcohol, you can contact Al-Anon/Alateen Central Services Manitoba or the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba Youth Services.

How old do I have to be to go to a bar or lounge?

You must be at least 18 to enter a bar or lounge, whether you intend to purchase alcohol or not.

You may only enter a bar or lounge when you are under 18 if you are with a parent, spouse or guardian who is at least 18 years of age. You may only consume alcohol in the bar or lounge if it is purchased by your parent, spouse or guardian and it is consumed with a meal in their presence.

Can I be asked to show I.D.?

Yes. Any place that has an age limit for entry may ask you for identification before allowing you entrance. If you refuse to produce identification you may be refused entry. It is against the law to show false identification to obtain alcohol.

If I am over 18, can I drink in a public place?

No. You may not drink alcohol in a public place. You may only drink at someone's home or in places that are licenced for that purpose.

Can I drive with alcohol in my car?

You are not allowed to drive with opened bottles, or opened cans of alcohol in the front or back seat of your car.

Once the alcohol has been opened, it may only be carried in the trunk of your vehicle.

Other Intoxicating Substances

What are other intoxicating substances?

Intoxicating substances are things such as glues, adhesives, cements, cleaning solvents and nail polish remover.

Can I inhale an intoxicating substance?

It is illegal for someone under 18 to inhale, ingest, or otherwise consume an intoxicating substance.

It is illegal to sell intoxicating substances to someone under 18 when there is a reason to believe it would be used as an intoxicating substance.

Drugs

Are all drugs illegal?

No. Drugs prescribed by your doctor for your own personal use are not illegal. Also, any drug that is out in the open at a pharmacy is not illegal to purchase. It is illegal to sell your own prescribed drugs to other people.

Illegal drugs and substances include such things as marijuana, mushrooms, cocaine, hashish, heroin, acid, speed, opium, amphetamines and steroids. It is illegal to buy, sell or possess any of these drugs.

What can I be charged with if I have illegal drugs?

Possession - If you are caught with an illegal drug, you may be charged criminally with possession of a narcotic.

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking - If you are caught with a lot of illegal drugs, the police may assume that you have them for the purpose of selling them to others, and you may be charged with this more serious crime.

Trafficking - If you are caught providing an illegal drug to someone, even for no money, you may be charged with this more serious crime.

Importing and Exporting - If you are caught bringing or taking an illegal drug into or out of Canada, you may be charged with this very serious crime.

Is it trafficking if I get drugs to split between me and one or more friends?

Yes. Even if you do not take money for them, if you get illegal drugs for someone else, transport illegal drugs for someone else, or give illegal drugs to someone else, it is still considered trafficking.

Where can I go for help if I am addicted to drugs?

Street Connections offers referrals to treatment for substance abusers. They also provide a needle exchange program through a mobile van.

The Addictions Foundation of Manitoba Youth Services also offers counselling services to people aged 12 to 18.

The Ma Mawi Chi Itata Solvent Abuse Program provides early intervention case management to promote healthy lifestyles through leadership and role modeling.