Chamber lunch to tackle Tobacco Bill

The Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon at the Wharf Restaurant next Wednesday to discuss the proposed Tobacco Bill.

Mr. Pineau

Chamber CEO Wil Pineau said there needs to be more public discussion about the potential impact of the bill on businesses.

‘We need to understand the views of the [Chamber] members on this issue,’ he said.

The bill, which was released in white paper form for public consultation earlier this month, would regulate the labelling, promotion, sale and distribution of tobacco products.

It would also prohibit the use of tobacco products in public.

As it is written now, the bill impacts workplaces, hotels, condominiums, guest houses, restaurants, cafés, cigar lounges, night clubs, bars, and even outdoor public open spaces like parks.

Attorney Murali Ram from Quin and Hampson will discuss the bill section by section at the luncheon so attendees understand all the meanings and impacts of the proposed law.

Director of Public Health Dr. Kiran Kumar, who is also the chairman of the steering committee for the bill, will be on hand at the luncheon to answer questions.

Mr. Kumar said that as a public health official, he would like to see Cayman become a completely smoke-free environment.

‘While I would like this as a public health person… we need to take the views of the public into consideration.’

He stressed that the bill is in consultative white paper form so that the public can offer its views, which it must do by 2 May.

‘We’re not saying this is the only way,’ said Mr. Kumar, adding that the steering committee took into consideration the legislation enacted in other jurisdictions when drafting the bill.

‘We would consider variations because of [Cayman’s] circumstances.’

One possible change of the bill Minister of Health Anthony Eden said the government would look at concerns cigar lounges.

Mr. Kumar said he intended to visit the island’s cigar lounges to ascertain just what the situation is with regard to second-hand smoke before making any recommendation to government on the matter.