Jamaica: Taskforce in Place to Probe Effects of Smoking Ban on Tourism

Source from:  Jamaica Gleaner (jm)  07/22/2013

The Government has established a taskforce to explore the likely impact of the smoking ban on the tourism industry.

The announcement follows a top-level meeting yesterday between Tourism Minister Dr Wykeham McNeil, Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson and the executive of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association (JHTA).

While expressing support for the ban, the JHTA has raised concerns that some of its provisions will negatively impact the sector.

In a statement released this morning, Dr McNeil said the taskforce will engage in discussions to determine how the sector can meet the obligations of the legislation without causing any fall-out.

President of the JHTA, Evelyn Smith says the association is pleased with the quick response from both ministers and says she is looking forward to having specific issues clarified.

The taskforce, which is comprised of officials from the ministries of tourism and health as well as representatives of the JHTA, will have its first meeting in Montego Bay, St James, on Monday. Enditem