Kalibo to regulate smoking

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KALIBO, Aklan – Smoking and distribution of cigarettes and e-cigarettes will soon be banned in public areas in this capital town.

The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) has approved Municipal Ordinance No. 2016-008, or the Comprehensive Smoke-Free Ordinance of the Municipality of Kalibo.

SB member Cynthia Dela Cruz said the measure “prohibits the use, sale, distribution, and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products and electronic cigarettes in all public places.”

It had been submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for approval, said the health committee chairwoman.

“After 30 days of no problem and glitches, it will become a law,” Dela Cruz said. “And 90 days after will be the total enforcement of the law.”

Smoking and vaping — the term referring to using e-cigs — in public places, including within or near schools, public utility vehicle terminals, government offices, and health facilities are strictly prohibited, the ordinance stated.

Sale and distribution of tobacco products and/or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) to anyone below 21 years old and buying them from minors are banned, too.

“Even ordering, instructing or compelling a minor to use, light, buy, sell, distribute, deliver, advertise, or promote tobacco products or ENDS are forbidden,” said Dela Cruz.

Moreover, no selling of tobacco products must take place within 100 meters from schools and other facilities frequented by minors, and 10 meters from a government facility, stated the ordinance.

Government officials and employees are also prohibited from facilitating, participating in or partnering with campaigns and projects by the tobacco industry.

A “Smoke-free Task Force” will identify designated smoking areas (DSAs), Dela Cruz said.

Under the ordinance, the DSAs shall be in open spaces outside buildings not within 10 meters from entrances, exits, or places where people pass or gather, and shall not be bigger than 10 square meters.

Those who will be caught smoking in areas other than the DSAs will be fined P500 and made to undergo a smoking cessation program for the first offense; P1,000 for second offense; and P2,500 for the third and subsequent offenses.

On the other hand, those who will sell, advertise or promote tobacco products in prohibited areas will be fined P1,000, P1,500 and P2,500 for the first, second and third/subsequent offenses, respectively.

Other towns in Aklan with antismoking policies were Ibajay and Buruanga. (PIA/PN)
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