(Contibuted photo)
LEGAZPI CITY – The city government is reminding residents that vaping is now banned in public places here.
In a press conference at the city hall on Wednesday, lawyer Raphaela Albor, city assistant legal officer, said the use of e-cigarettes is now included in the existing anti-smoking ordinance to protect the health and welfare of the residents.
"Vaping is now prohibited in all public places in the city of Legazpi. We anticipate already that there will be some that will react, but we will do our best to strictly implement the comprehensive smoke-free, vape-free ordinance through deputization, more enforcers, and higher penalties," Albor said.
She noted that the implementing rules and regulations for the expanded ordinance were only approved on July 26 although it was approved by the City Council several months ago.
Albor said the regulations against traditional smoking will be the same for vaping.
She added that starting Aug. 1, the City Smoke and Vape-Free team will visit various establishments, government offices, barangay halls, schools, hospitals, hotels, and restaurants, including ports and terminals, to inform the owners about the inclusion of vaping in the anti-smoking ordinance.
"Our anti-smoking and vaping team will start apprehending smokers and vapers in public areas; for now, they will be warned. When the full implementation of the ordinance starts on January 27, 2025, they will be penalized," she said. (PNA)
