41 ESTABLISHMENTS FACE CLOSURE FOR REPEATED SMOKE-FREE ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS

BAGUIO CITY – A total of 41 establishments, including a funeral home, have been recommended for closure due to repeated violations of the city’s Smoke-Free Ordinance, particularly City Ordinance No. 34, Series of 2017.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who heads the Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force, said the establishments were identified as repeat offenders after repeatedly failing to comply with regulations aimed at protecting the public from exposure to tobacco smoke and other smoking-related products in prohibited areas.

The mayor has directed the city’s Permit and Licensing Division to take appropriate action against the establishments and implement the necessary closure procedures in accordance with the ordinance.

Located in different parts of the city, the flagged establishments include 21-night restaurants and bars, nine sari-sari stores, five restaurant-cafes, three dry goods stores, two entertainment centers, and one memorial chapel.

Ordinance No. 34, Series of 2017, prohibits the use, 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐞, 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐬, 𝐯𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 all public places, enclosed spaces, public utility vehicles, streets, accommodation establishments (including apartments and hotels), entertainment venues, and areas within 100 meters of parks, schools, and churches.

Individuals and establishments that violate or tolerate violations are subject to penalties. Individuals caught smoking in prohibited areas face a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P3,000 for the third offense. Third-time offenders may also face up to three months’ imprisonment at the discretion of the court, along with community service and confiscation of tobacco or vaping products. Establishments that fail to enforce the ordinance or repeatedly allow violations within their premises may be fined up to P5,000 and risk the revocation of their business permits.

The mayor said the strict enforcement of the Smoke-Free Ordinance is part of the local government’s continuing efforts to promote public health and maintain a healthy environment for residents and visitors. # Aileen P. Refuerzo