Lemery aims to be ‘smoking-free’

LEMERY, Batangas — This municipality is aiming to be “smoking-free” through the implementation of an ordinance that prohibits smoking in public and imposing penalties on violators.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) or Provincial Board approved last Monday Lemery’s ordinance prohibiting the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products in certain places.

Board Member Jonas Patrick Gozos, chairman of the Committee on Law Rules and Ordinances reported to the board that the Sangguniang Bayan of Lemery as the legislative body enacted the said ordinance No. 18-311 pursuant to the general welfare clause of the Local Government Code of 1991, ensure and support the promotion of health and safety of its inhabitants.

The ordinance prohibits smoking in public places, workplaces, public conveyances; selling or distributing tobacco products in school, public playground or other facility frequented by minors within 100 meters; selling or purchasing tobacco products to minors; purchasing cinema and outdoor advertisements or tobacco products.

It also prohibits placing, posting or distributing advertising materials of tobacco products outside, even inside the premises of point-of-sale establishments when they are not allowed to sell or distribute tobacco products.

Penalties ranging from R500 to R2,500 will be imposed and or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or both at the discretion of the court; suspension of license to operate for the establishments and community service for violators who are unable to pay the fines.