Britons warned they may face arrest in tourist hotspot for habit performed by millions

The Foreign Office has warned any potential UK tourists "may face arrest" for smoking in public areas after new rules came into force, with a "zero tolerance" approach being enforced.

The amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act became effective this week, Deputy Commissioner of Police Albert Wade announced.

Previously, officers had been permitted to issue tickets as an alternative to arrests, though this was repealed.

Now, any person caught smoking in a public space will be subject to detention and a court appearance, where, if convicted, offenders face a maximum fine of £1,400.

"We are deeply concerned about the prevalence of smoking in public places," Deputy Commissioner Wade said. "This is not a lawful practice, and it should cease immediately."

He also noted any owner of premises classed as a public space knowingly permits another person to sell, supply, or smoke cannabis also commits an offence.

He concluded: "My suggestion to the general public — do not smoke in public. You will be arrested, notwithstanding our limited space."

Britons may also face arrest for smoking cannabis or any other substance in public places.

The regulations prohibit smoking across all educational facilities from preschool to university level, healthcare premises, playgrounds, amusement parks, public parks, sporting and entertainment arenas, and restaurants or any space designed for food and drink consumption.

When discussing the new regulations last year, Chief Medical Officer Dr Kamaria De Castro said: "What we have seen worldwide is an increase in heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer, and heart disease and stroke are among cardiovascular diseases, which are the cause of death worldwide.

"We’re seeing the increase of lung cancer even among non-smokers, so we are emphasising that we must increase public education, especially for persons who do smoke."

Antigua and Barbuda, an island in the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela, is a popular holiday destination for Britons.

The UK is the island's second-largest tourist demographic, with 330, 281 stay-over visitors for the year and over 823,955 cruise passengers in 2024 - a record-breaking year, according to Visit Antigua and Barbuda.

The US is the nation's top market for tourism, given its relative proximity, though the UK contribute tens of thousands of visitors every year.

In 2024, approximately 10.6 per cent of adults aged 18 and over in the UK were current smokers, according to Office for National Statistics data, equating to 5.3 million people.

This continues a long-term downward trend from 20.2 per cent in 2011, and is the lowest proportion of current smokers since the survey began over 15 years ago.

The UK is aiming for a "smokefree" status (5 per cent or less) by 2030.

The Government also warn prospective visitors, in their law and cultural differences section of the webpage dedicated to Antigua and Barbuda, that it is "illegal for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing".

LGBT+ attitudes are noted too, with the island being described as "mostly conservative".

"Antigua and Barbuda no longer has legislation against same-sex sexual acts. However, showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention. It is uncommon for opposite-sex or same-sex couples to show affection in public," the website states.

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