From October 1st, 2010, Barbados will join those forward thinking countries in banning smoking in public places.
Minister of Health Donville Inniss yesterday announced the ban with rigid fines for both smokers and businesses that don’t stop people smoking in public. Smokers found guilty of breaking the regulations may face a $500 fine or a 12-month prison term – or both. It’s going to be a lot tougher for proprietors found guilty of allowing people to smoke in a public place. They could be fined $5 000 or be imprisoned for 12 months – or both. Proprietors have to display no-smoking signage in at least two prominent places.
The ban covers rum-shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, other businesses, Government buildings and some places of “national significance” such as libraries and museums.
Senior Medical Officer, Chronic Diseases, Dr Kenneth George, detailed the penalties for non-compliance. He said there was a clear and simple definition of “public place”. “A public place is a place that has a permanent or temporary roof, that is either fully or substantially enclosed and to which the public has access. The definition clearly states that if the place has walls, doors or windows it will be considered to be an enclosed space.”
Cabinet had recently approved anti-smoking legislation and the drafted 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,”
The question that stands is: what about smokers who light up outside, say on a beach or a playing field?
Well, my husband and I are both smokers. We usually stay about 4-6 month of the year in Barbados.
Since the new smoking ban, eating out has become a bore. We rarely eat out now, having dinner parties instead.
I believe restaurants and hotels might lose some serious business because of a law so rigid… no smoking in restaurants with a terrace… really? Even in London it has not gone that far.
However, as it appears that ban is here to stay. We have decided to sell our home and find another sunny spot in the world, where we can have a holiday including our vices… So long Barbados, I wish you luck.
Hopefully both you and your husband have found a new destination to enjoy your smokes. Barbados I am sure will not miss you
At least in a free world you get to make your own choice. You’ve made your choice, but will miss out on such a beautiful island you obviously like so much. Most of the world will be smoke free soon so perhaps it’s better to be able to come to Barbados for the other benefits. No restaurants or bars have complained of loss of business so far; in fact more people say how nice it is now. Unfortunately, in this world, you can’t please all of the people all of the time.
This Year we want to go to Barbados, but what i read about the Smoking Ban let us look for another beautiful island where i have a choice to smoke . Sorry barbados. No smoking in public buildings is ok, but in bars, restaurants and hotels. No never……….
We have been visiting Barbados for years. The non smoking law is enjoyed by many people in numerous countries. Glad we will not have to deal with people like yourself any longer at Barbados
@Thomas You’re free to choose; Barbados has chosen to live in it’s clean air. Most agree that dining is much better, especially for children in restaurants, without people smoking.
@Hector – You appear to be quite outspoken against the non-smoking laws. We’re in agreement with you, but we’d ask smokers to visit and enjoy our island for a short while without cigarettes to feel the clean air and low numbers of asthma sufferers etc. Once we have new emission laws against the poor diesel fumes we’ll all be healthier- which is what we set out to achieve.