Caribbean360: Cigarette wholesaler supports smoking ban

Cigarette wholesaler supports smoking ban
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Chris Hoyos on 09/08/2010 10:26:00
 
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Monday August 9, 2010 – It may be the largest wholesaler
of cigarettes in Barbados, but Brydens Barbarees Limited is giving its support
to legislation that will restrict smoking in indoor public places from October
1st.
It gave its backing in a statement, issued over the weekend, but stressed the
need to consider the rights of both smokers and non-smokers.
The Brydens’ statement said the company acknowledges that smoke-filled
environments can be uncomfortable and a reason for concern for some people, but
said it also recognises the rights of smokers and stressed that any regulatory
initiative must take into consideration the legitimate interests of both groups.
“We do not believe that people should be allowed to smoke anywhere. However,
appropriate areas should be made available so that smokers – whether citizens
or tourists – do not experience social exclusion,” it said. “Therefore, we
hope rum shop smoking patrons maintain their right to smoke outside these
venues.”
The company said that smokers in outdoor areas – like pool decks, beachers,
etc – are not penalised for smoking, since total smoking bans in outdoor areas
have a substantial negative impact on the income of certain sectors of the
hospitality industry.
“In fact, very few countries have adopted total smoking bans.  Worldwide,
total smoking bans in public places are the exception, not the rule. Therefore,
we ask the Barbados authorities to consider a balanced approach to public-place
smoking, for the benefit of the entire population and retailers,” the Bryden
statement said.
Many countries, the release added, have opted for regulation that takes smokers
and non-smokers into consideration, creating designated outdoor smoking areas.
Barbados’ Health Minister Donville Inniss announced last week, when he
announced the ban, that creating special areas inside public establishments
would be illegal under the new legislation that will be taken before Parliament
shortly. And Senior Medical Officer with responsibility for Chronic Diseases, Dr
Kenneth George, added that neither the UN Framework Convention on Tobacco
Control nor the anti-smoking legislation makes provisions for any designated
areas for smokers.
Under the proposed law, smokers found guilty of breaking the law face a maximum
BDS$500 (US$250) fine or a 12-month prison term, or both.
Proprietors and operators of bars, restaurants, shops, hotels, government
buildings and other public buildings will also be expected to comply with no
smoking legislation.
Those found guilty of allowing people to smoke in a public place could be fined
as much as BDS$5,000 (US$2,500), be sent to prison for 12 months, or both. If
they fail to display no-smoking signs in at least two prominent places, as
specified in the law, or hinder inspectors from ensuring that the laws are being
enforced, they face similar punishment.