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Police To Crack Down On Smoking In Public

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VIDEO STORY: Public Supports Government’s Move to Ban Smoking in Public Spaces
Police Administration press conference at Police Headquarters (photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

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The amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act, passed in 2024, repealed sections of the law that previously allowed officers to issue tickets as an alternative to arrest.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 space would 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.”

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/03/11/police-to-crack-down-on-smoking-in-public. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Comments (20)

  • Citizen March 11, 2026, 8:10 AM

    good news
    long overdue
    Reply

    • Anonymous March 11, 2026, 9:33 AM

      u see I tell u all we still living in slavery but they let you feel like you are not living in slavery but we are we are not free they still telling us what to do so it’s not like we can think for ourselves or act for ourselves but they tell you what to do for yourself that’s why I stick to myself and the father alone no what’s going on on this Earth we all living in prison we are prisoners and still the police on them is getting out of hand what give you the right to hit a person they are your child
      Reply

    • Tall Boy March 12, 2026, 7:32 AM

      Y’all need to go further. crack down on adults found smoking in the company of children. In the home or in their vehicle.
      Reply

    • Chevignon March 16, 2026, 10:22 AM

      Well said.
      Reply

  • Anonymous March 11, 2026, 8:11 AM

    So Y’all Cracking Down On All Those Stinking Dirty People Y’all Have Walking Around Town Doing Nothing But Contaminating The Place.. The Country Needs Cleaning Up, Especially The Town, And All You People Care About Is Fucking With Hard Working Peoples Legal Rights!!!
    Reply

  • UnCONcerned Antiguan March 11, 2026, 8:22 AM

    People Ah Kill People Left, Right And Center But Them Biggest CONcern Is Stopping People From Smoke In Public! All Dem People Who Get Gun Dung All Over Antigua Get Gun Dung Inna Public..
    Antigua Is Not A Real Place.
    Reply

  • Urkel March 11, 2026, 8:27 AM

    if you’re really adding cigarettes to the list, i would realise you are DEFINITELY going mad. i can say herb or anything heavier, but cigarettes??? Please find better things for the police to do!! Patrol the heavy crime areas, post undercovers in strategic locations, educate and inform the public better, stop the public physical confrontations and lastly REGAIN PUBLIC TRUST!!!
    Reply

  • Tired of BS March 11, 2026, 8:44 AM

    gone mad!!!!
    Reply

  • Concern Citizen March 11, 2026, 10:40 AM

    Good thought! I’m 💯% in agreement with this! The persons Smooking in public have no concern for Those of us who’s allergic to smoke, who may suffer with asthma. You passing and they blowing the smoke in your face!!!! I’m glad and I pray the police will be in town especially on lower market street on Friday and Saturday evenings 🙏
    Reply

  • Apex Jones March 11, 2026, 11:08 AM

    I fully support that. Cause some people have no respect for other people’s space
    Reply

  • Anonymous March 11, 2026, 11:49 AM

    YES YES YES THANK YOU!! FULL TIME. These people that are smoking in public has no regard for persons who doesn’t smoke. They will see you passing and just blow it right in your face without even thinking. I went into a syrians store yesterday to purchase something and in there was stink of smoking.I had to step out my sinus start acting up.
    Even on the public bus, they just stood by the bus stop smoking their weed step into the bus early morning , and stink up the entire bus with their order and having no regard for others
    Reply

  • Good news March 11, 2026, 2:11 PM

    Honestly everywhere you pass one man have a join smoking. It s just offensive and although i dont agree with anything relating to police then this must stop
    Reply

  • Evelyn Houston March 11, 2026, 3:38 PM

    what about the tourists?.
    l have seen them sitting at bars having a drink and some smoking. Will they be charged or fined also?.
    Reply

  • Ryan Wedding March 11, 2026, 9:17 PM

    Well all i can say is that the new craze of smoking in public wasnt good so now there will be some reduction
    Reply

  • Informed citizen March 11, 2026, 11:48 PM

    this is a matter that they really need yo address apart from the increase of access to ammunition and violence. these young men smoke their weed or cigarettes and then want to hope public transportion. if you decide to speak up against that awful scent on the bus, they will start to say that when we women wear perfume, they don’t tell us anything. pure annoyance if you ask me
    Reply

    • Informed citizen March 11, 2026, 11:49 PM

      hop**
      Reply

  • Janice March 12, 2026, 7:04 AM

    this is not going to down well with them Young people in grays farm
    Reply

  • Anonymous March 12, 2026, 8:10 AM

    Keep it real I agree these kids take this smoking out of control
    Reply

  • TZen March 12, 2026, 9:51 AM

    What kind of draconian rule is this? I delude myself in thinking that this country can come up with sensible rules and regulations for cannabis in general. Instead they making laws and rules based upon their feelings, egos and lack of knowledge. Anyway, Stupid is as stupid does!
    Reply

  • Sool March 12, 2026, 2:10 PM

    Supermarket people in line smoking joint…come on
    Reply

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