Business groups in Trinidad and Tobago want the government’s proposed age limit increase for alcohol and tobacco consumption and gambling put on hold.

The Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Beverage Alcohol Alliance say they want wider consultation before parliament proceeds.

The Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration on Monday proposed legislation to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21.

It also proposed raising the minimum age for gambling and cannabis use to 25.

But the organisations argue that while they support protecting young people from underage and hazardous drinking, the proposed measures could push them to unregulated or illicit sources.

They are calling for a joint select committee to give stakeholders an opportunity to examine the available evidence and assess the practical implications of the proposed measures.