From 18 to 21 and 25: Government tables sweeping age-limit changes T&T is set for a major change to the legal age requirements for alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and gambling, with the Government moving to raise the minimum ages for each activity. Prime Minister #kamlapersad-bissessar announced that the Government will bring legislation to Parliament on Wednesday seeking to amend seven pieces of legislation covering dangerous drugs, clubs, tobacco, children, liquor licences, gambling and cannabis. The proposed changes would raise the minimum legal age for the sale, purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol and tobacco from 18 to 21. For cannabis, the proposed age would move from 18 to 25. The minimum permissible age for gambling would also increase from 18 to 25. The Government had already identified the Miscellaneous Provisions (Alcohol, Cannabis, Dangerous Drugs, Gambling and Tobacco) Bill as part of its 2026 legislative agenda, with the measure intended to update age limits and regulations surrounding cannabis, drug use and gambling. In announcing the move, Persad-Bissessar said the legislation is aimed at strengthening protections for young people and reducing their exposure to substances and gambling. She said the measures are intended to address what she described as the harmful consequences associated with early use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other dangerous drugs, as well as the risks associated with gambling. Under the proposed framework, the changes would not be limited simply to the age at which products can be purchased. The Bill would amend the Dangerous Drugs Act to address cannabis possession and cultivation, while also proposing increased penalties for specified offences. It proposes that a person over 25 who has legally permissible amounts of cannabis or cannabis plants in their possession, or who cultivates or possesses no more than four cannabis plants, would not be deemed to be in possession of a dangerous drug. The legislation also proposes a prescribed fixed-penalty system for persons under 25 who contravene specified provisions. Tobacco sales and clubs The proposed amendments would make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under 21. Retail displays offering tobacco products for sale would also have to indicate that sales to persons under 21 are prohibited. The Bill further proposes changes to the Registration of Clubs Act, including restrictions on persons under 25 becoming members of clubs, except in specified circumstances involving clubs primarily devoted to athletic purposes. Even in those circumstances, the proposed legislation would prevent persons under 25 from participating in gambling on the club premises. The general penalty for an offence under the Registration of Clubs Act would also increase from $10,000 to $50,000. Children and drugs The proposed legislation also seeks to increase penalties under the Children Act for offences involving children and dangerous drugs. Those offences include exposing a child to a dangerous drug, giving a child a dangerous drug, and using a child to sell, buy or deliver a dangerous drug. The Bill also proposes that where a child over 10 is found drinking alcohol or in possession of, or using, tobacco products, cannabis, cannabis resin or dangerous drugs, the child could be liable on summary conviction to a $50,000 fine. Gambling restrictions The proposed gambling amendments would require licensed gambling premises to display rules stating that gambling by persons under 25 is prohibited. The penalty for failing to post and maintain the required signage would increase from $50,000 to $100,000. It would also become an offence for a person to knowingly invite, cause or permit someone under 25 to gamble or enter licensed gambling premises, other than a race track. Cannabis and religious use The Bill also proposes tighter controls on cannabis used for medicinal and religious purposes #newsaroundtheworld35 #trinidadandtobago #ianalleyne - @newsaroundtheworld35