Pasay city gov’t bans vaping in public spaces

MANILA, Philippines — The Pasay City government has banned the use of vaping devices in enclosed public spaces and conveyances.

The Pasay City Council has approved City Ordinance No. 6061 regulating the use of vaping devices within the city.

Under Section 2 of the ordinance, the use of e-cigarettes indoors is prohibited in places of worship, hospitals, other healthcare centers, government offices, educational facilities and recreational facilities primarily intended for minors as well as public conveyances.

“The absolute ban on vaping in public conveyances mentioned in the preceding section does not apply in inter-island vessels, where vaping areas have been designated,” the ordinance noted.

Meanwhile, the use of vaping devices in all other enclosed public spaces and private workplaces not covered in Section 2 will be allowed provided that the owner of such places informs the public that e-cigarette is allowed and there is a designated vaping area.

“It is high time to impose stricter measures on these substances to protect the youth and the general public against the ill-effects of cigarette smoking and vaping,” Pasay Mayor Calixto-Rubiano said in a statement on Sunday.

Under the ordinance, vape shop owners are prohibited from selling e-cigarette products to, or by minors.

The ordinance also provides a “no contest provision” which is intended to decongest Pasay City Jail.

The “no contest provision” would allow violators to pay voluntarily the minimum administrative fine of P1,000 or render a community service of six hours in a public place supervised by the barangay chairman.

Violators of the ordinance may face the following penalties:

• First conviction – Fine of P2,000 to be paid in the Office of the City Treasurer or render 12 hours of community service as street sweeper at the option of the offender in a public place supervised by the barangay chairman of the venue where the violator was arrested.
• Second conviction – Fine of P3,000 or 18 hours of community service as street sweeper at the option of the offender in a public place supervised by the barangay chairman of the venue where the violator was arrested.
• Third Conviction – Fine of P4,000 or 24 hours of community service as street sweeper at the option of the offender in a public place supervised by the barangay chairman of the venue where the violator was arrested.

In all instances, the barangay Chairman shall issue a certificate that the violator has completed the required number of hours of community service and the station commander of the Pasay City Police Station shall monitor the record of conviction of the violator. /je