Antigua and Barbuda prepares smoking regulations with stiff fines

Health authorities in Antigua and Barbuda are stepping up their efforts to raise awareness about responsible substance use, as part of the upcoming implementation of new regulations banning smoking in public spaces. Violators could face fines of up to 5,000 Eastern Caribbean dollars (1,600 euros).[1].

New regulations being finalized

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Medicinal Cannabis Authority, announced that these new tobacco control measures are in the final stages of drafting and are expected to come into force in 2026. These regulations strengthen the Tobacco Control Act adopted in 2018, considered one of the most comprehensive in the region.

These new provisions will prohibit smoking in many public places, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, parks, playgrounds, entertainment venues, restaurants, sports arenas, and any area intended for the consumption of food or drink. However, specific areas, such as smoking lounges or vaping areas, will be permitted in certain cases.

Education in the service of public health issues

Public health officials are highlighting the growing impact of smoking, including on non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke. Dr. Kamaria De Castro, chief medical officer, highlights the rise in cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and stroke, noting that these conditions now also affect non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke.

Particular emphasis is placed on public education, particularly in schools, where visual aids such as inflatable lung models are used to illustrate the effects of smoking. Cessation aids, including prescription medications, are also made available through healthcare professionals to support those wishing to quit smoking.

Youth protection in the spotlight

Authorities are also warning about the growing popularity of products such as e-cigarettes, flavored e-cigarettes, and hookahs, which are particularly popular among young people. Samantha Moitt, head of nutrition and tobacco at the Ministry of Health, points out that these products, often perceived as harmless, can contain significant doses of nicotine, sometimes higher than those of conventional cigarettes.

While the importation, sale, distribution and promotion of electronic cigarettes are formally prohibited in the Caribbean archipelago, as has been decided elsewhere in the world such as the Maldives since December 15, 2024, possession or personal use is not explicitly criminalized. However, the country is part of a growing list of countries that, as Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (since June 5, 2006 in the case of Antigua and Barbuda), have committed to fully and effectively combating vaping products.

The new regulations will include visual warnings on tobacco packages and prohibit sponsorship activities by tobacco companies, particularly at youth events. The rules will be enforced jointly by the police, health services, drug authorities, and the Medicinal Cannabis Authority.

Finally, the authorities emphasize the importance of respecting others in shared spaces. It's not about banning, but about showing respect. " said Regis Burton, CEO of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority. The approach adopted aims to regulate the use not only of tobacco, but also of cannabis and alcohol, with a clear distinction between prescribed medical use and recreational use, which remains prohibited in public places.

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[1]Kisean Joseph, Antigua and Barbuda prepares new smoking regulations with stiff fines, Antigua Observer, published July 29, 2025, accessed July 29, 2025

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