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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This badly planned and implemented law is already causing problems for restaurants and bars. My employment hours have been cut because of a noticeable drop in business as those who drink and smoke are no longer coming. A revision of this law should be made. The bar is private but catering to the public. The leeway must be provided for private facilities to designate smoking areas. This Law which was obviously rushed and all of the ramifications were not considered must be reviewed.
ThAnkhs for the smart thinking. Habits take time to release so we do need a grace period. I don’t smoke in public but I just thought the judgement was too harsh. Thankhs for tour grave
Are yiu kidding me? I was very happy that finally I could be somewhere without someone puffing smoke in my face. I beg that the powers at be please reconsider and allow the law to stand.
DISGRACEFUL MOVE, THIS LAW IN GENERAL: has been proven over and over that wherever SMOKING (a habit that chills the individual) is prohibited, DRINKING (a habit that pushes violence) increases: do we want to see violent crimes increasing in the island?!? LETS BE SMART ABOUT IT AND READ STATISTICS ALL OVER THE WORLD
so then stop arresting people for smoking herb. Gaston you need to rastafarian votes and the young smokers vote. remove that nonesence law
u a one who dey pan fuckery bout law stand u kno how dat go affect tourism ya chupit rass
No ticket. Fine them. They should respect the public space. Sometimes you there well good and somebody just shows up and start smoking totally disturbing your space
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