VAPE shops in Baguio City are lobbying for exemptions from the nationwide smoking ban.
Petitioners are now asking the city through the local council to be exempted from the new law with these concessions; to exempt or exclude selling Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) or Vape 100 meters away from any point in the perimeter of schools, public playground or other facility frequented by minors, offices of the DOH and attached agencies, hospitals and health facilities.”
Another request by close to 50 petitioners is to be allowed to have vape testing or vaping within store premises upon compliance with standard ventilation devices.
Petitioners claim vaping is the most effective alternative to gradual withdrawal from smoking especially those who avoiding abrupt withdrawal symptoms.
Months ago the Baguio City Council approved the amended Anti-Smoking Ordinance dubbed the “Smoke Free Baguio,” which includes vaping or ENDS is included.
In the ordinance, selling or distributing tobacco or ENDS products or posting, displaying through posters, leaflets in point-of-sale establishments where prohibited, or where minors frequent, are not allowed.
The new law also prohibits devices whether or not used to deliver nicotine through vaping, or resembles the act or outward appearance of smoking. Displaying and promoting tobacco, except in enclosed, opaque and single-colored storages is not allowed, as stated in the amended ordinance.
The ordinance prohibits the use, sale, distribution, and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products in certain places and imposing penalties for violations.
The new ordinance amended Ordinance No. 8 of 2008, anchored on the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, under the amended ordinance, priority and right is given for the protection of public health, safety, and promotion of tobacco control, in public places, public conveyances; but considers the provision of smoking areas, with details on posting of proper signages.