Antiguans and Barbudans who smoke in public now face immediate arrest, police warned yesterday morning, as authorities signal the end of a sensitisation period following a legislative amendment that removed the option to ticket offenders.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Albert Wade, speaking at a press conference at Police Headquarters, said the change in enforcement posture is effective immediately.
The amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act, passed in 2024, repealed sections of the law that previously allowed officers to issue tickets as an alternative to arrest.
There will be no warnings and no grace period as any person caught smoking cannabis, tobacco, or any other substance in a public spacewould be subject to detention and a court appearance, where upon conviction in the Magistrate’s Court, offenders face a maximum fine of $2,000.
The crackdown extends beyond individual smokers. Owners, occupiers, or managers of premises that fall within the definition of a public place also commit an offence if they knowingly permit another person to smoke or supply cannabis or any controlled substance on those premises.
Wade acknowledged that public smoking is widespread but was unequivocal when pressed on enforcement: “My suggestion to the general public — do not smoke in public. You will be arrested, notwithstanding our limited space.”
