MANILA, Philippines – The Parañaque City government reminded all businesses establishments in the city who want to designate a smoking area in their premises to secure a permit from the Business Permit and Licensing Office. The permit comes with an annual fee of P100 per square meter.
According to Mayor Florencio Bernabe, the city government through the city council approved a resolution ratifying the implementing rules and regulations of an ordinance regulating smoking in public places and enclosed public places in the city and providing for the corresponding fees and penalties for specific violations.
Bernabe explained that Ordinance No. 10-09, series of 2008, and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) safeguards the physical well-being of both smoker and non-smoker by discouraging cigarette smoking and use of tobacco. However, establishments can set up a separate area for customers who wish to light up.
The city government advised the owners, proprietors, operators, possessors, managers or administrators may designate the smoking area to following a set of guidelines.
For restaurants, cafeterias and other dining establishments, 25 percent of the floor area could be designated as the maximum designated smoking area.
For night clubs, bars, lounges, cafés, dance halls and other similar establishments, the smoking section is 50 percent of the total floor area.
For private recreational areas like sports clubs, pools, gymnasiums and other structures, the smoking section is 25 percent of the floor area.
For other establishments that may be covered by the rules and regulations – malls, department stores, shopping centers – 10 percent of the floor area may be designated as a smoking area, and establishments not mentioned above, 10 percent.
Bernabe said there are also certain standards that must be observed for designated smoking areas located in enclosed places.
One is that it shall be completely enclosed or physically separated from the rest of the premises and equipped with adequate ventilation in conformity with the provisions of Presidential Decree 1096, otherwise known as the national Building Code of the Philippines, Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers Code and Republic Act 9514, otherwise known as the new Fire Code of the Philippines.
Jean Fernando, Manila Bulletin
