Legislation passes to ban smoking in hotel rooms & cars with minors
The legislation seeks to, among other things, ban smoking in hotel rooms and raise the penalties for selling tobacco products to minors and smoking in public places.
No more designated smoking rooms in hotels
Smoking will now be completely banned in hotel rooms in the Virgin Islands (VI).
According to the Minister for Health and Social Development and sponsor of the bill, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), previously 25% of rooms in hotels could be designated for smoking but the government is now “closing that loophole”.
The Health Minister said, however, that he was pleased to report that a recent review found that no hotels in the VI currently have designated smoking rooms, “and they must be commended for that. This shows that our hospitality sector is already ahead of the curve, and this amendment would simply formalise that positive shift".
Honourable Wheatley argued that second-hand smoke is just as dangerous as smoking itself, and it is important that nonsmokers, especially children and vulnerable adults, are protected from exposure.
He said the current laws provide some protection, but there are still gaps, and the government is taking steps to protect public places.
According to the amended legislation, smoking is prohibited within 50 feet of entrances, exits, and windows of public buildings.
“This should protect people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoking when they go about their daily lives.”
Perhaps most importantly, according to Hon Wheatley, the government is introducing stronger protections for children, the future.
No smoking in vehicles with minors present
Under the amendments, smoking in a vehicle with a minor present will now carry a $500 fine.
“No child should be forced to breathe in second-hand smoke in a confined space like a car. This measure sends a clear message that we are serious about protecting the health of our young people.”
Rules surrounding the sale of tobacco products to minors have also been strengthened.
Vendors are now required to ask for official government-issued photo identification before selling tobacco products.
“If they fail to do so, they will face a $500 fine, which is double the current penalty. Most smokers start young so keeping tobacco out of the hands of minors is one of the most effective ways to reduce smoking rates over time,” Hon Wheatley stated.
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39 Responses to “Legislation passes to ban smoking in hotel rooms & cars with minors”
Now extend that same "courtesy" to those forced to breathe second-hand smoke from cannabis users. I am assaulted with that smell much more often and it's users similarly put the young and vulnerable at considerable exposure to its effects.
Do ban tobacco smoking and ignore cannabis smoking would be a great irony and most hypocritical.
Or did I just touch a "sacred cow"?
Schools close when there's no water
Most people without cisterns are out of water daily
Government Offices filled with mold
Restaurants and Supermarkets legally selling poison
How many people are affected by tobacco at our health facilities vs how many are on dialysis or medication for eating the legal poison being sold to us? Local people do not smoke cigarettes and the percentage of expats/tourists that do is very minimal from an overall health perspective. All this hoopla in the HOA meanwhile rum shops, pharmacies, restaurants and supermarkets are free to sell poison to one and all to be a bigger burden on our health facilities and finances. PROGRESS!
Cigarette smoking in public should be a $1000 fine. Cut the smoke Bill sh**
In the end, if the legislation is an effort at improving public health, just ban cigarettes. While you’re at it, also ban junk food and sugary drinks, and underwrite imported fresh fruit and veg. Make a basic course in nutrition in high school mandatory, and find ways to get people to exercise regularly.