Tougher measures to protect young people

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is moving to bar anyone under the age of 21 from legally buying, possessing or consuming alcohol and tobacco.

She is also aiming to set an even higher age threshold of 25 for cannabis (marijuana) and gambling, under sweeping legislative changes Government will take to Parliament tomorrow.

In a social media post yesterday, Persad-Bissessar said the tougher age restrictions are intended to shield young people from substance abuse, addiction and risky behaviours which can cause lasting harm to individuals, families and communities.