Enforcement of laws governing smoking in public places is to be reviewed after the next general election, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin has said, as authorities weigh whether arrests should remain the primary response to breaches.
Smoking cannabis or tobacco in public spaces remains an offence under the Tobacco Control Act 2018 and the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act 2024.
Benjamin said the government intends to revisit how these laws are enforced once Parliament is reconstituted, with the review expected to involve consultations with stakeholders.
“The government will therefore be looking at this … with the legislation at a later date,” he said, adding that authorities aim to clarify how the law should be applied.
In the meantime, officials are reminding the public that the current legal provisions remain in force. This includes restrictions on smoking and the possession of cannabis in public places.
Law enforcement authorities have already been notified of their obligations under the existing framework, with the Attorney General indicating that the law “will be followed” pending any changes.
The planned review is expected to determine whether adjustments are needed to ensure consistent and effective enforcement.
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An admittance that the existing law is flawed and unsupportable. Enforcing a flawed no smoking in public space law requires focusing on strategies that maximize voluntary compliance, educate the public, and utilize existing, clearer legal frameworks to fill in gaps. When a law is ambiguous or has loopholes—such as designating areas that are not truly smoke-free—direct enforcement becomes difficult, necessitating creative approaches to change behaviors and public perception.
Smoking Laws are gonna be revised because certain people in a certain level in society want to be able to light up a cigar or cigarette and not have to face the Police telling them it goes for you also….I tell y’all they wanna attack weed only but they can’t because it will be biased and unfair so the government widen the margin to include all smoking in public banned but that goes into the territory of high class or people with public influence…..
These new laws are simply to force cannabis consumers to use dispensary smoke lounges. Another corrupt practice to benefit the cannabis business that has government as it’s partner.
I believe the word Public Space should be defined. And I certainly don’t think what the police did the other day by arresting a man smoking under a tree is good use of their time and the law. No Open Area should be part of that. No one is hurt when one is smoking in an open area. You do not inhale the smoke from someone smoking on thew street. It should only go for enclosed area’s such as restaurants, bars and other public buildings. And especially government buildings.
The police take pleasure to harass Rastas ever since. Like a hatred to see these guys walking free and living their lives. Being a Rasta is not being a criminal. Rasta’s are not violent individuals. There philosophy of live is about Peace and Love and Happiness. But then one cannot know these days who is a Rasta, cause many have dreadlocks but certainly are not Rastas. I wish we could ban people portraying to be Rasta. They give Rasta a bad name.