Antigua and Barbuda is considering a ticketing system for public smoking violations. This move aims to reduce court cases and create consistent law enforcement.

Director General for Communications Maurice Merchant said Cabinet is reviewing how the law is applied. The review follows concerns about inconsistent interpretation and enforcement.

“For public smoking, there are varying interpretations,” Merchant said. He noted the confusion affects both the public and law enforcement officers.

Consequently, officials are exploring a fixed-penalty system similar to traffic tickets. This approach would allow offenders to pay fines instead of facing court proceedings.

“One option being considered is a ticketing system like traffic tickets for smoking in public places,” Merchant explained.

Under the proposed system, individuals caught violating the law would receive a ticket and pay a fine. Otherwise, they could face other forms of punishment.

“You ticket and you pay a fine… or it leads to some other forms of punishment,” Merchant added.

Officials believe this system would prevent minor offenses from overloading the judicial system. Currently, small infractions can result in unnecessary arrests.

“If you go out in public and… want to smoke, then to be hauled before the courts… that’s a bit much,” Merchant said.

The review also addresses public misconceptions. Some people believe the law applies only to marijuana, but cigarette smoking is also covered.

“Many persons think that smoking in public places… applies only to weed smoking,” Merchant said, adding that cigarette smoking enforcement is ongoing.

The government plans to return to Parliament to clarify legislation and provide clear enforcement guidelines.

Officials say the ticketing system would bring consistency, reduce unnecessary arrests, and offer a proportional response to minor offenses.

Ultimately, the proposal seeks to balance public health, law enforcement efficiency, and fairness in handling minor public smoking violations.