Tobacco Control Bill Advances With Broad Bipartisan Support

The Tobacco Control Bill, 2025, received its second reading in the House of Representatives today, attracting broad support from parliamentarians on both sides of the aisle.  While members raised points about implementation and enforcement, their contributions reflected general agreement with the bill’s central purpose: protecting children and the wider public from tobacco use, nicotine addiction and exposure to second-hand smoke.  The legislation would bring Belize’s tobacco-control framework in line with the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which Belize ratified in 2005. It would regulate traditional tobacco products as well as newer products, including electronic nicotine-delivery systems.  During the debate, parliamentarians generally agreed that stronger action is needed to restrict access by minors, protect non-smokers and address the increasing use of electronic cigarettes and flavoured products among young people.

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness: “The freedom of one individual to smoke must never come at the expense of another person’s health. That is the balance this legislation seeks to achieve, Mr Speaker. Some have suggested that designated smoking areas or ventilation systems provide sufficient protection. Unfortunately, decades of scientific evidence have shown otherwise. Ventilation systems remove orders. They do not remove the toxic chemicals contained in tobacco smoke. Separate smoking rooms reduce visibility. They do not eliminate exposure. The only measure consistently shown to protect workers and the public is the creation of completely smoke-free indoor environments. That is why this bill adopts that standard.”

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “The bill creates extensive enforcement powers. Authorized officers are empowered to inspect premises, seize products, examine records, collect samples, and conduct investigation. As the member from Orange Walk East outlined very carefully laws without enforcement is a mere suggestion. We agree with that. The obvious question then is does the ministry currently possess sufficient personnel, financial resources, and technical capacity to effectively enforce these provisions?”

Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Belize Rural Central: “I of course stand to give full support to this Tobacco Control Bill. The minister has given a very comprehensive, a very, very comprehensive overview, and we thank him and his team for bringing this bill today, and we’re very, very grateful that we’ve seen every single aspect of it. I give my full support.”

Andre Perez, Belize Rural South: “Mr Speaker, I guess all has been said, basically, especially in that brilliant presentation that the Minister of Health and Wellness said and I believe that I think I want to reach an angle in support that to start up that I am here not standing as someone that said I never did try a cigarette. I will tell you that I still do occasionally smoke a cigarette now again in social settings. I do, but it’s a message also to them, to those that are in that kind of setting that you know sometimes a cigarette or a cigar, everything legal, but because I think Mr. Speaker I am here recognizing my personal choice. It is a personal choice. But as an elected representative I also recognize responsibility as an elected person. Mr. Speaker this to make it clear and I believe this firmly and it is clear that this bill does not criminalize smokers nor does it take away the freedom, making it clear it does not take away the freedom of adults to make legal decisions. What it does it this bill establishes reasonable safeguards to protect our children, our workers and our public from of course indeed the harmful effects of tobacco but Mr. Speaker supporting this bill is not about judging those who smoke, but it’s about balancing individual freedom with our collective responsibility to protect public health.”

Among its most consequential provisions, the published bill would prohibit smoking in public places, workplaces and public transportation. Owners and managers would be required to display no-smoking signs and take reasonable steps to prevent smoking on their premises.  The proposed law would also prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of eighteen. Sellers would be required to verify a purchaser’s age using photographic identification.  Electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems, including commonly used vaping products, would be prohibited from being manufactured, imported, distributed or sold. Flavoured tobacco products and additives, including menthol, would also be banned.  Other major provisions include a comprehensive prohibition on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, as well as restrictions on misleading descriptions such as “light” and “mild.”  Tobacco packaging would be required to carry graphic and written health warnings covering at least eighty percent of each principal display area. The bill would also prohibit the sale of individual cigarettes and other loose tobacco products, requiring them to be sold in compliant, sealed packages.  A National Tobacco Control Committee would be established to advise the Minister of Health, coordinate national policy and oversee the implementation of Belize’s tobacco-control plan.  Police officers, customs officers, public health inspectors and Bureau of Standards inspectors would be among those empowered to inspect premises, seize non-compliant products and enforce the legislation. The bill proposes substantial fines, and, for some offences, possible imprisonment.  The legislation was first introduced in October 2025 and subsequently reviewed by the Health and Human Development Committee. Its second reading had been deferred earlier this year before returning to the House today.////////