PORT OF SPAIN Oct 7, 2026 – The Senate has passed legislation raising the minimum legal ages for alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and gambling in Trinidad and Tobago, with the measures set to take effect in early 2027 after presidential proclamation.
The Miscellaneous Provisions (Alcohol, Cannabis, Dangerous Drugs, Gambling and Tobacco) Bill, 2026, was approved early Wednesday following a late-night sitting. It lifts the age for the sale, purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol and tobacco from 18 to 21, and raises the corresponding age for cannabis and the minimum age for gambling from 18 to 25. The bill also increases penalties for related offences, with some prison terms rising to as much as 30 years on repeat convictions and fines climbing substantially.
All 15 Government senators voted in favour. The six Opposition People’s National Movement senators and six independent senators voted against, while three independents abstained, producing a 15-12 result. The bill requires only a simple majority.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the Government bench supported the legislation to protect young people. In a statement on X, she criticised the PNM for opposing the bill and accused independent senators appointed by the President of voting against measures intended to benefit children, including earlier legislation expanding the Children’s Life Fund. She said the Government would continue to advance laws for law-abiding citizens and that the age limits would be operationalised in early 2027.
Opposition senators questioned aspects of the bill during debate, including whether hookah use would be covered and whether the higher penalties and age thresholds could divert police resources or push activity toward illegal suppliers. Government officials indicated hookah would fall under existing tobacco definitions. Attorney General John Jeremie has previously described the age increases as regulatory steps supported by medical evidence used in other jurisdictions.
The legislation now goes to the President for assent.
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