City-wide smoking ban in Makati eyed

The Makati City Council will hold public hearings on a draft ordinance that would in effect impose a city-wide ban on smoking in Makati.

Draft Ordinance 2002-090, the Revised Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Makati, is expected to draw stiff opposition from owners and operators of bars, restaurants, nightclubs and other entertainment establishments. The proposed smoking ban covers these establishments and other "enclosed public places" like shopping malls and department stores.

The ordinance, authored by all members of the council, prohibits smoking in all public vehicles, public buildings and enclosed public places in Makati.

The ordinance covers all jeepneys, buses and taxis operating in Makati, as well as hospitals, schools and government buildings. Smoking will also not be allowed in shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, bars, club houses, comfort rooms, elevators, grocery stores and other "buildings or any other enclosed structure, whether government or privately-owned, that is open to the public."

Representatives of jeepney and bus operators in Makati have been asked to air their position on the ordinance on Nov. 13, while operators of hotels, restaurants and bars have been invited on Nov. 20. Expected to attend the Nov. 20 hearing are the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP), Makati Club and Restaurant and Entertainment Association (MACREA), and the Makati Karaoke and Music Lounge Association (MAKAMUSIKA).

On Nov. 27, representatives from Ayala Land, Rustan’s, Shoemart, and building owners will be asked to present their position on the ordinance. All public hearings will be held at the Session Hall of the new Makati City Hall, starting 9 a.m.