Drive vs. public smoking nets over 300 in the city

The Cebu City Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Team has already apprehended more than 300 persons for smoking in public places here after a "No Smoking in Public Places" ordinance saw a strict implementation beginning last month.

Engr. Samuel Dy, head of the team, said that to further discourage people from smoking in public places, an increase in the fine to P500 from P100 is now being studied due for submission to the city council and for approval by way of amending the said ordinance.

Under the present ordinance, those caught smoking in the designated public places will be fined P100 for the first offense, P200 for the second offense and P500 for the third offense.

As stated in the ordinance, public places include commercial establishments, entertainment centers, educational and learning centers, places of worship, dining and convention centers, government and public offices, private offices, health and medical centers, fitness gyms, sauna and sweat centers, beauty parlors, barber shops and other vanity shops with airconditioners.

"Since this ordinance was enacted few years ago, there is no record of apprehension because nobody is strictly implementing this. Smoking in public places is getting rampant," Dy told The FREEMAN yesterday.

Aside from strictly implementing the ordinance, CESET will also strictly implement the mandatory garbage bin/receptacle requirement at all public utility vehicles plying within Cebu city, which saw implementation three years ago.

To ensure the continued implementation of the ordinance, CESET is tapping the assistance of the City Traffic Operations Management and other law enforcement agencies. - Mitchelle P. Calipayan