The government is considering introducing a ticketing system for smoking in public places, in a move aimed at reducing court cases and standardizing enforcement of the law.
Director General for Communications Maurice Merchant said Cabinet is reviewing how the law is applied after concerns about inconsistent interpretation and enforcement.
“The interpretation of the law on smoking in public places… there are varying interpretations,” Merchant said, noting that the issue has led to confusion among both the public and law enforcement.
He said one of the options under consideration is a fixed-penalty system similar to traffic violations.
“One of the ideas that is being looked at… is the ticketing system, similar to the traffic ticketing system for smoking in public places,” he said.
Under such a system, individuals found violating the law would be issued a ticket and required to pay a fine, rather than being arrested and taken before the courts.
“You ticket and you pay a fine… or it leads to some other forms of punishment,” Merchant explained.
Officials say the change is being considered to prevent minor offences from burdening the judicial system.
“If you go out in public and… want to smoke… then to be hauled before the courts… that’s a bit much,” Merchant said.
The review also comes amid concerns about how the law is being applied, with some members of the public believing it applies only to marijuana use.
“Many persons think that smoking in public places… applies only to weed smoking,” Merchant said, adding that cigarette smoking has also been subject to enforcement action.
The government is expected to return to Parliament to clarify the legislation and establish clearer guidelines for enforcement.
Officials say the proposed ticketing system would bring consistency, reduce unnecessary arrests and provide a more proportionate response to minor offences
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