People in Trinidad and Tobago could be required to produce identification when buying alcohol or tobacco, possessing cannabis or entering gambling establishments under changes announced by Attorney General John Jeremie. Jeremie outlined the identification requirement while piloting the Miscellaneous Provisions (Alcohol, Cannabis, Dangerous Drugs, Gambling and Tobacco) Bill, 2026, in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, September 30. He told Parliament that amendments were being introduced to address identification requirements and vaping.
The proposed ID measures are tied to wider changes aimed at increasing the minimum ages for several regulated products and activities. Under the legislation, the minimum age associated with alcohol and tobacco would rise to 21, while the threshold for cannabis possession within permitted limits and gambling would move to 25.
Jeremie said identification would be required in connection with purchasing tobacco and alcohol, possessing cannabis and entering gambling establishments. However, it was not immediately clear from his announcement whether every person, regardless of apparent age, would have to present identification during those transactions. � Trinidad Guardian During his presentation, the Attorney General argued that becoming a legal adult at 18 does not necessarily mean that the same age must apply to every regulated substance or activity. He said the Government’s approach was intended to reduce potential harm among young adults and pointed to age restrictions used in several other countries.
The legislation also proposes tougher penalties for breaches involving alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and gambling. Some offences would attract substantially higher fines and prison sentences than those currently provided under existing laws.
Parliament’s official records show the Bill was introduced on September 30 and later approved with amendments during the committee stage. It subsequently passed the House of Representatives by 23 votes to 10, with no abstentions.
Transport Trade Parliament The Bill is scheduled to go before the Senate on Friday, October 2, where the Attorney General is expected to move its second reading. Transport Trade Parliament
The proposed changes form part of a broader Government effort to regulate access to alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and gambling through higher age limits, identification checks and stronger penalties.