Smoking is Still Prohibited in Public Places – Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health is reminding persons that smoking is still prohibited in specified public spaces under the Public Health (Tobacco Control) Regulations, 2013.

The Ministry notes that an individual recently appeared in court for breaches of the Regulations and was fined $2,000 for the offence.

The Regulations prohibit smoking in specified public places including all enclosed public places, enclosed work places, public conveyances; Government occupied buildings; health facilities including pharmacies; sports, athletic or other similar facilities for the use of the public; educational institutions; areas specifically for use by children and bus stops and departure and arrival waiting areas at a port or station for any form of transportation

The Ministry of Health is urging individuals, proprietors of places used for entertainment purposes such as restaurants, clubs and party venues, tourist establishments and others to ensure that the Regulations are followed in order to avoid of the imposition of sanctions by the court.

The penalties applicable to individuals for breaches of the Public Health (Tobacco Control) Regulations, 2013 are as follows:

-In the case of a first offence, a fine of  up to $10,000;

– for a second offence,  up to $25,000; and

-for subsequent offences, up to $50,000.

Businesses including clubs, bars, restaurants and tourist establishments which breach the Regulations may be fined up to one million dollars.