Police: No let-up in smoking ordinance campaign in Zambo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 6 (PNA) -- The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) will be strictly enforcing the provisions of Ordinance 413, otherwise known as the Smoking ordinance, which went on to full effect May 31, following a two-month information campaign.

“The City police is very consistent in its implementation [of the ordinance],” Zamboanga City Public Safety Company commander Chief Insp. Ariel Huesca said.

Since the ordinance took effect, the ZCPO have already apprehended 15 individuals who were caught smoking in public vehicles and areas in the central district of this city.

“These 15 individuals were given the chance, and they were given stern warning,” said Huesca, who is also the ZCPO spokesman.

“If they commit the same offense for violating the Ordinance 413, appropriate action will be taken such as the imposition of admin fines,” he added.

Ordinance 413, enacted in June 2013, prohibits smoking in centers of youth activity; elevators and stairwells; fire hazard locations; within the buildings and premises of public and private hospitals, medical, dental and optical clinics, health centers, nursing homes, dispensaries and laboratories; public conveyance and public facilities, train and bus stations, restaurants and conference halls except for separate smoking areas and food preparation areas.

Penalty for violators are as follows: P500 or one day community service for first offense; P1,000 or two days community service for second offense; P2,000 or three days community service for third offense and P5,000 without prejudice to the filing of any criminal case or at the discretion of the Court for fourth and subsequent offense.

On the other hand, the establishment that allows smokers to freely smoke in “no smoking” areas and found violating the provisions of the ordinance, will be fined P1,000 for first offense; P2,000 for second offense; P3,000 for third offense and P5,000 for fourth offense and revocation or cancellation of the business permit. (PNA)
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