“A zero-tolerance approach will be enforced in relation to smoking during all Carnival festivities”

That’s the word from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force. The Police Force mentioned on social media “in accordance with the Smoking (Designated Areas) Act, 2023, there will be no smoking allowed in public places, including the smoking of cannabis, tobacco, or vaping products, unless it is within a properly licensed and clearly marked designated smoking area.”

Carnival events, venues, roadways, streets, and entertainment spaces are public places. However, police said “unless an event organizer has received express approval from the Chief Medical Officer for a designated smoking area, smoking is unlawful.”

Persons found in breach of the law will be issued a fixed penalty ticket of $500. Failure to comply may result in further legal action.

Police officers will be deployed across Carnival events to ensure strict enforcement.