PUBLIC NOTICE – Smoking (Designated Areas) Act, 2023 & Freedom of Conscience (Cannabis) Act, 2023

Smoking is prohibited in public places.
Under the Smoking (Designated Areas) Act, 2023, smoking and vaping are prohibited in all public places unless the activity takes place inside a licensed designated smoking area. This law applies to all smoking and vaping devices, including electronic cigarettes.
A public place includes any indoor or outdoor area accessible to the public, whether publicly or privately owned.
According to both Acts, smoking is prohibited in, but not limited to:
Bars, restaurants, clubs, and drinking establishments
Hotels, guesthouses, and tourist accommodations
Schools and all educational institutions
Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities
Churches and religious establishments
Government buildings and offices
Public transportation
Community centres
Roads, highways, and thoroughfares
Commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties
Any other place accessible to the public
WHERE SMOKING IS ALLOWED:
1️⃣ As stipulated in the Smoking (Designated Areas) Act, 2023, Section 4, smoking is allowed only in areas that:
✅ Are licensed by the Chief Medical Officer, and
✅ Are clearly marked as a “DESIGNATED SMOKING AREA” with the required signage.
✅ If an area is not clearly marked, smoking is not permitted.
2️⃣ As stipulated in the Freedom of Conscience (Cannabis) Act, 2023, Section 3(1)(b), the smoking of cannabis, cannabis material, and cannabis resin is only allowed in designated smoking areas that have been licensed for this by the Chief Medical Officer.
PENALTIES
Fixed penalty of $500 for individuals who smoke in prohibited areas
(Additional penalties may apply to business operators who allow unlawful smoking)
These laws are intended to protect and promote the health and well-being of our people. While the right of adults to choose to smoke is acknowledged and respected, the collective right of all citizens to a safe and healthy environment must also be upheld.
We therefore urge all citizens to comply fully with the law, in the shared interest of protecting public health and ensuring the well-being of all.
#RSCNPF