BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Health Minister Donville Inniss has
announced a ban on smoking in public places from October 1. Inniss
said the Cabinet had recently approved anti-smoking legislation and
the draft laws “will shortly be laid in parliament.
“This legislation seeks to protect vulnerable individuals and
groups from the harmful effects of second-hand tobacco smoke,” he
told the gathering. It is a fundamental right of our citizens to
live, work and play in a clean and wholesome environment.”
The new measure will be accompanied by stiff fines for smokers and
businesses and covers rum-shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, other
businesses, Government buildings and some places of “national
significance” such as libraries and museums.
Smokers found guilty of breaking the regulations may face a BDS$500
(US$250) fine or a 12-month prison term – or both.
Business owners who allow patrons to smoke in a public place could
face a fine of BSD$5 000 (US$2,500) or imprisonment for 12 months –
or both. The proprietors will also have to display no-smoking
signage in at least two prominent places and those who refuse to do
so or to allow inspectors from performing their duties could on
conviction be fined $5 000 or imprisoned for a year or be subjected
to both penalties.
Senior Medical Officer, Chronic Diseases, Dr Kenneth George, said a
public place is a place that has a permanent or temporary roof that
is either fully or substantially enclosed.
“The definition clearly states that if the place has walls, doors
or windows it will be considered to be an enclosed space.”
The Health Minister said he does not expect much opposition to the
smoking ban.
“You may find that people will now more come to bars and rum shops
than before because smoking is not allowed,” he said, adding that
“evidence has shown from other jurisdictions that such action as
prohibition of smoking in public places has actually resulted in
increased business for many of these establishments.”
Trinidad and Tobago is another Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
country that has passed tough anti-smoking legislation.