QC regulates use of e-cigarettes

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista has approved an ordinance that would regulate the use of e-cigarettes in the city.

City Ordinance 2737-2018 seeks to protect the health and welfare of the Quezon City residents and safeguard the interests of all stakeholders, including smokers who choose less harmful alternatives to cigarettes such as e-cigarettes.

Under the ordinance, all enclosed places are open to general public and private use of e-cigarettes but the owner must post a clear sign that allows the use of e-cigarettes.

Private workplaces may opt to include a vaping area within their building which should be an open space or an area with proper ventilation.

The ordinance prohibited vaping in places of “worship, hospitals or other healthcare centers, public conveyances, government offices and educational or recreational facilities primarily intended for minors.”

The ordinance also prohibits minors from selling and purchasing e-cigarettes. Those who will be caught purchasing e-cigarettes from minors will also be penalized.

Advertisements of e-cigarettes

The ordinance also regulated advertisements of e-cigarettes, saying advertisements should not portray or depict scenes of using e-cigarette products.

Points-of-sale through direct marketing and on the internet are allowed for advertisements of e-cigarettes but should not appeal for persons aged under 18 years old.

Advertisements should not contain cartoon characters or humans and animals with comically exaggerated features.

Advertisements should also not “undermine” quit-smoking messages and instead encourage non-tobacco or non-nicotine users to use the product.

Meanwhile, the ordinance stated that advertisements should not air on television, radio or cinema.

But allowable advertisements and promotional materials should contain health warning which states “This product may damage your health and is addictive.”

The health warning should occupy 10 percent of the bottom area of the advertisement.

Penalties

Violators of the ordinance will pay a fine of not less than P500 but not more P1,000 for the first offense.

However, for the second offense, a fine of more than P1,000 but not more than P2,500 will be imposed.

Lastly, those who will violate the ordinance for the third offense will pay a fine of not less than P2,500 but not more than P5,000 and their business permit or license to operate will be revoked or cancelled. /je