Finally, the MMDA is implementing the No Smoking Policy in the whole of Metro Manila. For those smokers, time to finally just try the e cig instead. Note that even smoking inside your own vehicle is prohibited.

For those of you who would like to know more information about this policy RA9211…here’s an excerpt:

Section 5. Smoking in Public Places – Smoking shall be absolutely prohibited in the following public places:

a. Centers of youth activity such as playschools, preparatory schools, elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, youth hostels, and recreational facilities for persons under eighteen (18) years old;

b. Elevator and stairwells;

c. Location in which fire hazards are present, including gas stations and storage areas for flammable liquids, gas, explosives or combustible materials;

d. Within the buildings and premises of public and private hospitals. Medical, dental, and optical clinics, health centers, nursing homes, dispensaries and laboratories;

e. Public conveyance and public facilities including airport and ship terminals and train and bus stations, restaurant and conference halls, except for separate smoking areas; and

f. Food preparation areas.

Section 6. Designated Smoking And Non-Smoking Areas – In all enclosed places that are open to the general public, private workplaces, and other places not covered under the preceding section, where smoking may expose a person to the other than the smoker to tobacco smoke, the owner, proprietor, possessor, manager or administrator of such places shall establish smoking areas. Such areas may include a designated smoking area within the building, which may be in an open space or separate area with proper ventilation, but shall not be located within the same room that has been designated as a non-smoking area.

All designated smoking areas shall at least one (1) legible and visible sign posted, namely “SMOKING AREA” for the Information and guidance of all concerned. In addition, the sign or not posted shall include a warning about the health effects of direct or secondhand exposure to tobacco smoke. Non-smoking areas shall likewise have at least one (1) legible and visible sign, namely: “NO SMOKING AREA” or “NO SMOKING”.

Here are the fines and penalties:

MMDA FINES AND PENALTIES

First offense: P500 (or 8 hour community service)
Second Offense: P1,000 to P5,000
Third Offense: P5,000 to P10,000
If caught inside public (or private?) vehicles, first offense: P500
If caught inside public (or private?) vehicles, second offense: P5,000 and revoke license of the operator
If caught inside public (or private?) vehicles, third offense: P5,000 and suspension of driver’s license.

Yey for a smoke-free Metro Manila! We need good implementation of this policy