127 smokers fined in Makati

A total of 127 smokers have been penalized in Makati City for violating an anti-smoking ordinance passed last March.

Based on the latest data of the Makati City Health Department, majority of the violators were the patrons of bars, restaurants and other establishments belonging to the entertainment industry.

The rest of the smokers were apprehended while smoking inside public utility vehicles.

Under City Ordinance 2002-090, or the Revised Anti-Smoking Ordinance, smoking is prohibited inside all government or public buildings, PUVs, schools, hospitals, clinics and all other enclosed public places with a floor area of 100 square meters.

For the private sector, the ordinance prohibits smoking inside enclosed areas where smoke can affect non-smokers.

In the case of establishments that cater to both smoking and non-smoking patrons, the ordinance requires them to designate smoking areas.

However, unlike the typical set-up wherein the patrons are only segregated inside the same room, the city ordinance requires the provision of floor-to-ceiling walls or partitions that would physically separate the smokers from the non-smokers.

Affected establishments in this case include bars, restaurants, hotels, department stores, malls, libraries, auditoriums and court houses.

"The Makati anti-smoking ordinance and the signing into law of a nationwide ban on smoking in enclosed public places aside from other tough anti-smoking measures signal a growing awareness of the health risks posed by smoking and the need for government to take active measures in the interest of public health," Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay said in a statement.

Apprehended violators face a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense and P3,000 or imprisonment of not less than three days but not more than six days or both for the third offense.