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Are the smoking laws enforced on Tortola? I saw somewhere that it is illegal to smoke in any public place in the BVI's. It seems like that would make it difficult for any visitor to smoke.

HMmm...41 views no replies. Did everyone think I was talking about pot? I'm interested in that too. Is it available on Tortola?

Smoking is pretty well frowned on most places but many have a smoking corner and a few ignore the rule unless the smoking police are around. It is such a hassle that it was one of many reasons I quit last year. I just haven't updated my avatar. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

I agree with Glenn's view on your first question, as far as your second question, stick with rum. The weed laws are pretty Draconian down there.

It depends on the venue. Most every restaurant in Road Town strictly enforces the rules. Although no one enforces the rules in 'other' public places - such as on the streets.

The further you get into the hills or the 'country' the less the rules are enforced. And in some places restaurants provide separate areas and ash trays.

As far as pot, it's readily available, just as it is in the States. Just ask a trusted local. DO NOT travel to pick it up. Have it delivered. However, you're playing with fire, being a foreigner in a country with strict drug laws.

And there seems to be a particular sense of righteous glee when a foreigner is caught with drugs...even though the BVI's local drug problem is significant.

DO NOT enter the BVI with any illegal drugs. That would be just a silly way to wreck your vacation.

It is illegal to smoke in any public "facility" such as bars, restaurants, stores, hotels, etc.

You may smoke outdoors but must be 50' away from any public building or any building with an open window. I believe they also banned smoking on beaches but have not personally seen any specific amendment to the law, so not sure about that.

It is not illegal to smoke on the street provided you are the required 50' away from any building.

As for pot smoking, you can expect to be arrested immediately. Depending upon the quantity in your possession, the penalties can be quite severe and could involve jail time. As already advised, you are best to stick to beer, wine or spirits while visiting.

Regarding smoking pot..you will see a lot of activity in the sandy parking lot off the beach in Cane Garden Bay..do not be tempted to buy pot from any of these guys if they approach you..which they may well do..some have been known to tip off the cops and point out who they sold to..cops arrest the tourists and the locals smoke on and laugh..

It is 2015 if you can see another person you should not be smoking anything. If you cannot see another person do whatever you want to or with your own body.

Until you have been on Tortola for more than a few seasons and know which way the wind blows, I would not try to buy weed from any locals. They can prey on tourists like manpot stated above. Once you don't look or act like a newbie that will change. As far as cigarettes go, I will guess that many more people on Tortola smoke weed than cigs. With that said, I have seen many people smoking both and not once seen anyone say anything about it, police or otherwise.

FYI I don't smoke cigs, never have. Don't smoke pot either. As an NHRA licensed drag racer going over 200mph on a regular basis, not only am I subject to drug testing, but I also need all of my brain cells to work. Rum and adrenaline are my personal drugs of choice.

Too bad it looks like this weekend at Maple Grove in Pennsylvania is going to be a washout. Many people were looking forward to the races. Seems like that track is a jinx for rain almost every year.

Thanks for all the info. I like to smoke a little pot on vaca but certainly won't bother this time. I'm not much of a drinker but will surely stick to Rum this trip. That's really crazy about the locals selling to tourists and then turning them in. I think most other places have lightened up on pot to put their time and resources into other things. In my community prescription drugs and Heroin are the big battle, and pot has been decriminalized. Have the BVI's been spared these other things? If so, lucky them. My community has been ravaged with deaths and thefts because of the Heroin.

I think NHRA is racing in Reading this weekend? And yes rain might be an issue. We compete in the Top Dragster category in NHRA Division 7 and 6. The furthest we have traveled east was to Chicago, Joliet to be exact, to compete in the Jeg's Allstars this year. Quite a tow from Napa, California to Joliet, Illinois!!!! And on second thought I do smoke from time to time.....my 16" Hoosiers on the burnout!

Get on down to Wildwood for the racing on the beach this weekend rain or shine they say!

http://www.theraceofgentlemen.com/schedule.html

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />Yes, Keystone Nationals this weekend and looks like they are going to run the event anyway even though we have rain predicted for the next 4 days.

I was wrong they just postponed The Races in Wildwood this weekend:

http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2015/...e-of-gentlemen/

I don't recall when a thread has gotten THIS far off subject! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Time to close it