|
Health Commissioner Julia Sheen announced today that the Virgin Islands Smoke-Free Act, No. 7171, which prohibits smoking in public places takes effect
on Wednesday, November 10, 2010. The Smoke -Free Act was enacted by the Legislature on April 17, 2010 and signed into law by Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr, on May 10, 2010. The Department is granting all businesses in the Virgin Islands an additional three months to come into compliance with the law. Accordingly, the Department’s Environmental Health officers will not be issuing citations until after that time. The Department will continue its public education efforts during this period and provide businesses with technical assistance as needed.
The Smoke-Free Act specifically prohibits smoking in the Virgin Islands in these areas:
- Enclosed areas of public places which includes all restaurants, bars casinos and other places of employment
- Within 20 feet from any point of service or waiting line
- Within 20 feet of all outdoor public transportation stations and platform shelters opened to the public
Sheen said that the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, is working in conjunction with the Department of Health to provide all businesses renewing or applying for a new license with literature describing the effects of smoking, tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. The educational materials will also include information on the requirements of the Virgin Islands Smoke-Free Act such as businesses being required to post “No Smoking signs” in their establishments.
Inquiries about the Smoke Free Act should be made to the Tobacco Prevention & Control Program, by calling (340) 773-1311 Ext. 3198. |
