San Fernando serious about smoking ban

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Smokers are an "endangered species" in this city.

Thanks to — or, in the case of cigarette-puffing folk, blame it on — an ordinance passed by the city council last month banning smoking in all open and enclosed areas. The exception: in the comfort of one’s home or in designated rooms, with exhausts, in establishments.

The ordinance applies to nightclubs, karaoke bars and other entertainment spots which lack enclosed areas for smokers.

To prove they are serious about the ban, all city councilors, according to Vice Mayor Eligio Lagman, have decided to give up smoking altogether.

"We must lead by example, that’s why city officials have decided to give up smoking," Lagman said. Mayor Rey Aquino, a doctor, used to be a heavy smoker but gave up the habit two years ago.

Early this week, several smokers were arrested on jeepneys, inside restaurants and even in malls where ashtrays were available. Even pedestrians puffing cigarettes were caught.

To prove that it means business, the city government even encourages "citizen’s arrest" of violators.

The penalties: P300 fine for the first offense; P500 or 15 days in jail, second offense; and P1,500 or 30 days in jail, third offense.

Cigarette vendors are complaining. They said the city government should have given them financial assistance to have an alternative means of income. — Ding Cervantes