Munti to penalize smoking ban violators starting Oct.

The Muntinlupa city government will be apprehending violators of the local antismoking ordinance but let them go with a warning starting Sept. 12.

But after an 18-day grace period, or starting on Oct. 1, penalties will be imposed under the Comprehensive Smoke Free Ordinance.

In a statement, city information officer Tez Navarro said a task force has been given the green light to implement Ordinance 17-072, which was passed by the city council in March.

Under the measure, smoking tobacco products and e-cigarettes, including “vapes” and shisha, is prohibited in “places that are accessible to the public,” such as workplaces, government facilities and outdoor areas.

It would be allowed only in designated smoking areas (DSAs). As set by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, a DSA “should be an outdoor space with no roof or walls and should not have an area larger than 10 square meters.”

Navarro said violators who would be caught starting Sept. 12 would not be fined yet and just receive a warning until Sept. 31.

After the leeway period, or starting Oct. 1, those caught smoking in public places would be ordered to pay a P2,500 fine or render eight hours of community service.

The ordinance also imposes a P8,000 fine or 14 hours of community service on those caught advertising cigarettes and selling them to minors.