CITY Hall will be adopting a smoking prohibition policy as announced through a memorandum to all department heads and chiefs of offices.

The new policy released by the City Mayor's Office on October 30 is based on the Civil Service Commission's (CSC) 100 percent Smoke-free Environment Policy dated May 29 this year.

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CSC's policy states that smoking is prohibited in all areas of government premises, buildings and grounds, except for special spaces designated as smoking areas, in order to ensure a healthy body of individuals and a productive workforce.

Apart from LGUs, CSC's smoking prohibition has been sent to heads of departments, bureaus and agencies of the National Government, government-owned and/or controlled corporations with original charters and state universities and colleges.

The policy finds legal basis in Republic Act 9211 Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 and the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Acticle 8.

Some of the policy guidelines are:

(1) The absolute prohibition of smoking in government agencies providing health education and/or social welfare development services such as hospitals, health centers, schools and universities, colleges among others. No "Smoking areas" are to be established in these areas.

(2) Smoking shall be prohibited in areas abywhere in or out of government premises, buildings, and grounds except for open spaces designated as "Smoking areas."

(3) A "Smoking area" (a) should be located in an open-space with no permanent or temporary roof or walls in an outdoor area, (b) it should not be located within 10 meters of entrance, exits, or any place where people pass or congregate, (c) should not ba an area larger than 10 square meters, (d) no government building shall have more than one designated smoking area, (e) no food or drinks shall be served in the smoking area, (f) every smoking area shall have highly visible and prominently displayed "Smoking Area" signages.

(4) A "Smoking Area" signage shall be no more than 8x16 inches and must have information on the hazardous effects of smoking.

(5) A "No Smoking" signage shall be no more than 8x16 with the International No Smoking symbol occupying no less than 70 percent of the said signage.

(6) All ashtrays will be removed from all areas except in the designated smoking areas.

(7) Smoking is also prohibited in government vehicles.

(8) The building administrator is given the responsibility to ensure strict compliance with the requirements stated.

Violation of the policy shall be considered a ground for disciplinary action pursuant to Rule XIV (Discipline) of the Omnibus Rules Implementing Book 5 of Executive Order No. 292. (JCZ)