San Fernando City Implementing New Anti-smoking Ordinance

San Fernando City is now seriously implementing a policy against smoking in public as provided for in an approved city ordinance.

The 12-page ordinance No. 2014-02, which was implemented beginning Dec. 19, 2015, is more comprehensive and detailed compared to the five-page ordinance against smoking in public in 2011.

Under the new ordinance, vaping or inhaling electronic cigarettes and similar devices in public areas and advertisement of tobacco products are not allowed.

Violators will be fined P1,000 and P5,000 to the establishments that will be caught selling tobacco products, said the author of the ordinance, Councilor Jojo de Guzman.

He said the anti-smoking ordinance is aimed at safeguarding the health of all residents and workers in the city, both smokers and non-smokers.

“The smoke-free legislation seeks to protect non-smokers of the harmful effects of tobacco products, to keep the minors from being initiated to cigarette smoking and tobacco use and to instill health consciousness and change of mindset among smokers,” said de Guzman.

Under the ordinance, violators upon apprehension, will be given lectures on anti-smoking that will hopefully encourage them to quit the habit, de Guzman added.

A task force headed by the city health officer was created to assist in the implementation, enforcement and monitoring of the smoke-free ordinance.

Other members include the mayor, chair of the committee on health and wellness of the city council, health education and promotion officer, legal officer, information officer, building officer and police personnel.

As of December 30 last year, three individuals had been found violating the ordinance, two of whom are ordinary citizens found smoking at the central business district and a jeepney driver. (PNA) LAP/LVM/VBA JR./RMA