The Dumaguete City government is urging business establishments and public transports to remove all materials advertising cigarets and other tobacco products, or face sanctions.

This is in line with Ordinance No. 94, Series of 2011, or the Anti-Smoking Ordinance that bans smoking in public places and states other prohibitions, City Administrator William Ablong yesterday said.

The city reminded owners or managers of business establishments, including sari-sari stores, and all public conveyances, such as motorcabs-for-hire, multi-cabs, jeepneys and buses, to cooperate with the city in the enforcement of the ordinance.

Violators can be fined up to P3,000, or face imprisonment if found guilty, he said.

Signage, posters, tarpaulins, streamers and similar materials advertising cigarets and tobacco products must be taken down, and in its stead, a “No Smoking” sign or poster must be posted.

Posters or similar materials that read, “Sale/Distribution of Tobacco Products to Minors is Unlawful”, should also be put up.

The public is also reminded against smoking in public places, while stores within 100 meters of a public place, such as a government building, school or church, are prohibited from selling cigarets and other tobacco products.

Distributors are also covered by the ordinance, Ablong said.

The Task Force SAGARR (Special Action Group Advocating Rapid Reform) that he heads, continues to monitor the compliance of commercial establishments, small stores and the public transport sector on the anti-smoking ordinance.

During the renewal of business permits, owners and operators of businesses, and public transportation groups are reminded of the anti-smoking ordinance and its penalties, he added.

Fines include P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 - second offense, and P3,000 - third and successive offenses.*JFP

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