No Smoking at Grand Gala

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, is reminding Jamaicans attending the 54^th staging of Grand Gala at the National Stadium on Saturday, August 6, that no smoking will be allowed.

Addressing a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ recently, the Minister said the ban on smoking in public places still exists and this will be enforced.

Persons who decide to smoke at the venue could find themselves facing huge fines or imprisonment for breaching the ban.  Fines range from $10,000 for a first offence; $25,000 for a second, and $50,000 for subsequent offences.

A smoking ban was implemented through the Public Health (Tobacco Control) Regulations 2013. It became effective on Monday, July 15, 2013.

Under the regulations, areas designated as no-smoking spaces include all enclosed places accessible to the public; public transportation; workplaces; Government-owned and -occupied buildings; health facilities, including pharmacies; sports and recreational facilities for use by the public; educational institutions; areas specifically for use by children; and places of collective use, such as bus stops.