€235 on-the-spot fine for tourists smoking cannabis in public

Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield has announced that the €235 fine for smoking cannabis in public spaces will be included in the on-the-spot fines system.

Under Malta’s current cannabis regime, smoking marijuana in public already carries the aforementioned fine.

But with this announcement, the Government said, the fines would be able to be collected on site from people who do not reside in Malta.

The Government last summer introduced a number of on-the-spot fines for foreign nationals who do not reside in Malta who break certain laws while in the country. 

During a press conference, the Minister said that smoking cannabis in public is illegal, and is also a behaviour which causes a nuisance to those nearby and therefore requires stronger enforcement. 

“The possession of drugs, even in a small amount, is illegal. Smoking cannabis in public is also illegal and should not be done. We need more enforcement against those who do not respect people around them,” he said.

The Minister stressed that the fight against drug trafficking must be a collective responsibility,  with a united national front against those who exploit the vulnerable in society. At the same time, people suffering from drug dependence should be given the necessary help, through continuous collaboration with NGOs, the Minister added.

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