KINGSTON, Jamaica — Operators of entities who allow smoking inside their establishments could be criminally liable after the ban on smoking in public spaces become effective on July 15, the Ministry of Health says.

Legal officer at the Ministry of Health Sheryl Dennis said the same penalties will be applied to owners, managers and lessees of premises where smoking breaches occur.

Persons could be fined up to $50,000 or three months in prison for a first offence and up to $500, 000 or six months in prisons for a second breach.

 Subsequent to that a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months will take effect.

Dennis was addressing journalists at the weekly Jamaica House press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston earlier today.

 Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson also told the press briefing that he will not be dissuaded by the move to ban smoking in public places despite a fight from those with financial interest or those whose power comes from the sale and distribution of tobacco.

He noted that the ban on smoking in public spaces is not an attack on stakeholders but a pro health solution.

“No other risk factor for Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) can compare to the ill effects of tobacco use affecting both our adult population and our children,” he said, adding that “if we are to meet the goal of reducing the prevalence of NCDs by 25 per cent by 2025, this ban on smoking in public spaces is important”.