In a recent public address, senior government and law enforcement officials in Saint Kitts and Nevis reiterated the strict prohibition of smoking in public spaces, emphasizing the legal consequences for violators. Under Section 3 of the Smoking (Designated Areas) Act, 2023, smoking outside designated areas is illegal, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. The law defines smoking broadly, encompassing cigarettes, cannabis, cigars, vaping, and other inhalation devices. During a recent episode of the radio and television program *InFocus*, members of the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention (NCDAP) highlighted the health risks posed by public smoking, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions. Travis Rogers, Chair of the NCDAP and Assistant Commissioner of Police, clarified that while cannabis use has been decriminalized, it remains illegal to smoke it in public. Violators face a $500 fine, 20 hours of community service, or up to five days in prison for non-compliance. Karimu Byron-Caines, Director of the NCDAP Secretariat, emphasized the importance of balancing individual rights with public health and safety. She urged citizens to visit www.cannabisclarityskn.com for detailed information on the law. The NCDAP, alongside government agencies and law enforcement, continues to educate the public as full enforcement of the law approaches.
Officials remind that smoking in public remains illegal in St. Kitts and Nevis
