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VI reminded smoking in public places is prohibited by law

- as Territory observes World No Tobacco Day
The Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 prohibits smoking in public places including office buildings, restrooms, elevators, stairways, health and educational institutions, any premises in which children are cared for a fee, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, beaches accessible to the public and any other facilities. Photo: creativesafetysupply.com
 Residents of the Virgin Islands are reminded of the dangers of smoking as the Territory observes World No Tobacco Day 2023. Photo: GIS
Residents of the Virgin Islands are reminded of the dangers of smoking as the Territory observes World No Tobacco Day 2023. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Residents of the Virgin Islands are reminded of the dangers of smoking as the Territory observes World No Tobacco Day 2023.

Public Health Officer in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Ms Renee Leonard said smoking is one of the major risk factors for the development of chronic non-communicable diseases.

“Among the greatest concerns are heart and lung disease and various forms of cancer,” Ms Leonard said, adding, “We want to advise persons to refrain from this practice and encourage smokers to quit.”

According to Ms Leonard in a Government Information Service (GIS) press release today, May 31, 2023, there are many benefits to smokers quitting including improved circulation in the hands and feet, improved blood pressure, easier breathing, and a decrease in the risk of lung cancer.

“The bad habit of smoking can reduce your life expectancy, diminish your quality of life  and ultimately kill you, so do not think about doing it and if you are already doing it stop,” the Public Health Officer said.

Smoking in public places prohibited in VI

The community is also reminded that the Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 prohibits smoking in public places including office buildings, restrooms, elevators, stairways, health and educational institutions, any premises in which children are cared for a fee, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, beaches accessible to the public and any other facilities.

“We are reminding proprietors and other occupiers of public places that ‘no smoking’ signs must be placed in a prominent area, clearly indicating that the establishment is smoke-free and any infractions should be reported to the authorities,” Ms Leonard said.

The Public Health Officer stated that "No Smoking" signs must be flat and rectangular at a minimum size of eight and a half by eleven inches; must display the symbol for no smoking and carry the message in English, "It is unlawful to smoke in this location".

Owners or managers of public places who fail to prominently display the prescribed signs that clearly indicate smoke-free zones will be liable to pay a fine of $125.

World No Tobacco Day

Each year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) holds World No Tobacco Day on May 31.

Their goal is to spread awareness about the risks of tobacco use and what can be done to make the world tobacco-free. The day is being observed under the theme, “Grow Food not Tobacco.”

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to ensuring that all aspects of the environment with the potential to negatively impact the health of the population are managed efficiently to enable all persons in the BVI to attain and maintain optimal health and well-being.

21 Responses to “VI reminded smoking in public places is prohibited by law”

  • facts (31/05/2023, 11:54) Like (40) Dislike (3) Reply
    Tell that to the Syrians and Arabs
    • facts2 (31/05/2023, 12:28) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
      Ant the white expats.
    • @ facts (31/05/2023, 13:01) Like (22) Dislike (5) Reply
      also tell the folks off the cruise ships(don't be shy)

      while you at it. tell the cruise passengers dress properly while in road town....yea i know them is tourist

      • Ghost (04/06/2023, 13:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I fully agree. The other day I saw this obese Caucasian lady in what I don’t even know what to call it.. some type of short pants . It was so short barely under her buttocks.. I wondered why would her partner let her dress like this in public. Was just shameful.. some of them need to dress better . I cringed seeing her..
    • So agreed (31/05/2023, 13:16) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
      The above mentioned smoke like chimneys. Then you have the locals that smoke cigarettes but they hide to do it. I just can’t stand the smell of cigarettes, it smell up everything and then there is the risk of second hand smoke.
  • Opinion (31/05/2023, 11:57) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
    Most restaurants and bars allow smoking and it’s very unfortunate. With our cancer rate we need to do better BUT unless the law is enforced and these establishments fined heavily, nothing will improve. Another thing is a lot of restaurants are allowing e-cigarettes which should be a no-no. Let’s get some enforcement going.
  • Reel (31/05/2023, 12:03) Like (22) Dislike (7) Reply
    Also tell it to the white british expats, they are smoking everywhere and dropping their butts making our island filthier than it already is.
  • The Norm (31/05/2023, 12:16) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    As with most laws and rules here this one will never be enforced.
  • Iva Biggin (31/05/2023, 12:28) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why pass a law that was NEVER EVER going to be enforced?
  • eye in the sky (31/05/2023, 12:35) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    2023 and cannabis still illegal... BVI yo plan to move foward??
    • @eyeinthesky (31/05/2023, 15:57) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply

      you Pot head go siddung. Marijuana give you bad *&$ breath.

  • Guest (31/05/2023, 12:56) Like (19) Dislike (7) Reply
    Tell Nanny Cay establishments that and the last set of UK imports to the Financial Services Sector.
  • herbs power (31/05/2023, 13:49) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yone really has to be out of their minds to smoke stinking cigarettes. Can't stand the smell. if i choose to smoke its weed over cigarettes every day.
  • @facts (31/05/2023, 15:10) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Don't forget the Filipinos too. Sometimes I'll be at the park in town relaxing only to be interrupted by this fowl cigarette odour and have to go up to them and inform them that it's illegal to smoke in public places in the BVI.
    • NICK (01/06/2023, 00:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      They are the 1 race who knows all the laws in the BVI, from how to get their entire family here, to illegal fishing, to smoking in public, to buying 2nd hand vehicles, to getting married. They also know that they will get away with all the wrongs above so they will never stop.
  • Tobacco kills (31/05/2023, 16:42) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    As a reminder to the younger generation (smoking like a chimney), who believe smoking marijuana laced with dried tobacco leaf (Fonta/Fronto/grabba) is healthy. Sorry to disappoint, but any type of tobacco has negative health effects.
  • Willow (31/05/2023, 16:51) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Every day is a no-smoking day for me. People act as though they don't see the signs, which are plastered all around where they are, and try to light up. Not on my watch. Cigarettes and weed are offensive to non-smokers, there is no good smoke going into our lungs, hair, clothes etc.
  • Soooool (01/06/2023, 05:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This article implies that smoking in none public places like one home is okay to smoke.


    The power of speech is powerful
  • just asking (01/06/2023, 07:20) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can I smoke cigarettes at Pock Wood Pond ?
  • The Slip Hammer (02/06/2023, 12:54) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Smoking been going on since the beginning of time. deal with it.
    • Curious (02/06/2023, 14:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Who said you cannot smoke? The article is calling on people who smokes in PUBLIC PLACES exposing others to second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke is a serious concern. Imagine I don’t smoke yet I’m inhaling all the fumes. Might as well I light up to, right? So please save it! #BVIneedcleanair


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