Makati City to expand no smoking zones

The City Government of Makati is planning to expand the coverage of its anti-smoking laws to cover all of the commercial establishments.

Draft Ordinance 2002-090 aims to identify and expand the non-smoking areas not specified under the existing ordinances.

According to City Secretary Rogelio Marasigan, the proposed ordinance would include all of the "enclosed establishments" including the hotels and restaurants.

Under the present laws, the establishments only have to provide a smoking area for its clients where ventilation devices are installed.

However, Marasigan explained that the proposed ordinance of Makati would require the owners of the establishment to provide a separate room for smokers in order to ensure that no smoke will be inhaled by the non-smokers.

He admitted that the hotel and restaurant industry would be the most affected by the ordinance if it pushes through because a huge percentage of its clientele is composed of smokers.

The ordinance would also call for stricter implementation of the anti-smoking drive and provide stiffer penalties for the violators of the ordinance.

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay has been known as a staunch advocate against smoking even during his term as Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

The City Council is set to conduct public hearings on the proposed ordinance to gather the inputs of all the affected establishments. – Marvin Sy