Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield has announced that tourists caught smoking cannabis in public places will soon face an instant fine of €235.

Although cannabis was legalized in Malta in 2021, strict regulations remain in place, including a ban on public consumption. Bedingfield noted that despite 42 people being caught violating the ban in the first nine months of the year, residents continue to complain about public smoking, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement.

The new penalty will fall under the On the Spot Fines (Non-habitual Residents) Regulations introduced earlier this year, which allow authorities to immediately fine tourists for minor offenses such as littering, public disturbance, public urination, and wearing inappropriate clothing outside designated bathing areas. Police issued over 1,600 on-the-spot fines for these minor infractions within a two-month period.

While no exact launch date for the cannabis fine was provided, Bedingfield stated that the necessary legislation is being drafted and will be enacted through a legal notice, emphasizing his desire to implement it as quickly as possible.

The announcement was made during a post-budget news conference where Bedingfield also outlined a €488 million allocation for Malta's disciplinary corps in 2027.

This budget includes €150 million for the police force, €143 million for the armed forces, €37 million for prison administration, €29 million for the Civil Protection Department, €125 million for capital projects, and increased funding for support services like the Victim Support Agency.