BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has initiated comprehensive enforcement of the public smoking prohibition, marking the end of an extended educational campaign period. This decisive action follows the implementation of the Smoking (Designated Areas) Act, 2023 and the Freedom of Conscience (Cannabis) Act, 2023, which collectively ban smoking and vaping in all public spaces unless conducted within officially licensed designated areas.
Over the weekend, law enforcement authorities disseminated detailed excerpts of the legislation through social media platforms, explicitly clarifying that the restrictions apply to all smoking devices, including electronic cigarettes and vaping apparatus. The enforcement move addresses growing public concerns regarding visible non-compliance during major social gatherings, including the St. Kitts Music Festival and Carnival celebrations, where previous warnings had yielded limited tangible action.
Police Commissioner James Sutton provided context for the delayed enforcement, emphasizing that the initial phase prioritized public education. “Smoking in public will be addressed at all levels,” Commissioner Sutton stated. “Through public engagement, address systems, entertainment venues, and advertisements, we are utilizing all available platforms to educate citizens. We recognized that despite issuing notices, the notification period was insufficient, necessitating direct community engagement regarding public smoking regulations and ticketing procedures.”
The police confirmation indicates that enforcement activities are now actively underway, with at least one citation already issued. Authorities have reiterated that “public place” encompasses any indoor or outdoor area accessible to the public, regardless of public or private ownership. This comprehensive definition includes bars, restaurants, hotels, educational institutions, medical facilities, places of worship, government buildings, public transportation, community centers, and all roadways.
The legislation permits smoking exclusively in areas conspicuously marked as Designated Smoking Areas with appropriate signage. Any location lacking clear designation automatically qualifies as a non-smoking zone. Violators face a fixed penalty of $500, with potential for additional penalties depending on circumstances.
Law enforcement officials emphasize that the regulations aim to strike a balance between individual freedoms and collective public health priorities. “While the right of adults to choose to smoke is acknowledged and respected,” the police statement noted, “the collective right of all citizens to a safe and healthy environment must also be upheld.”
Both residents and visitors are urged to maintain full compliance with the legislation as police continue enforcement operations across the federation.