Healthy Caribbean Coalition - TRINIDAD: New smoking ban to take effect - Caribbean Daily
Posted 15th February 2010
Categorized as Health, Trinidad & Tobago
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Smokers in Trinidad and Tobago will soon be stripped of
their right to light up in public as they wish as a new law that seeks to curb the practice is to
take effect this week.
In a release issued over the weekend, the Health Ministry said the Tobacco Control Act that
was passed two months ago, will come into force on a phased basis from Wednesday.
Under the Act, smoking in any enclosed public places is outlawed.
The Health Ministry said the new law was designed to protect people from the exposure to
second hand tobacco smoke, especially children, babies and pregnant women, as well as
preventing others from taking up the habit.
“It also seeks to prevent smoking by young people, especially children, to restrict promotional
activities by tobacco manufacturers, enhance public awareness of the hazards of tobacco use,
ensure that consumers are provided with sufficient information to make more informed
decisions on using tobacco products and prevent illicit trade,” the release added.
Health Minister Jerry Narace has committed to undertaking a full public education drive before
enforcing the Act in its entirety.