The City of Makati’s Anti-smoking Ordinance gets stronger as it reaches its 8th year in effect. However, a few changes will be expected this June because Makati Mayor Jun Binay already approved the Revised Anti-Smoking Ordinance created last February of 2003.

Binay stated that the city was able to pass through the initial resistance from various quarters, specifically the entertainment establishments by smokers. He also said that they were able show them (the people) that they (the Makati government officials) are serious about their support in local and national laws with regards to anti-smoking.

The ordinance was not effectively established during its first two years. Reports show that an approximate number of 1,500 individuals were busted by the city’s law enforcers and deputies. Even more, five restaurants were halted to business for ignoring several warnings about the ordinance. The campaign worked out little by little as the number of people being apprehended for smoking lessened. It just showed that the Makati City really meant business and nobody can stand against what even the simplest law states.

Binay also reiterated that the count of “smoking areas” registered by various establishments like hotels, shopping malls, bars and restaurants in the city also dwindled. The number of 1,024 permits (issued from 2003-2008) gave a drastic drop to 48. No other establishments applied for the renewal of their “smoking area” application.

Knowing that the ordinance produces nice low rates doesn’t mean that the Makati law enforcers should be confident enough and be a bit easy with the violators. They will still continue to apprehend the violators as long as they can. Just recently, two bars established along Jupiter Street were closed by Makati City Hall officials due to smoking violations. Just in case you’re still not aware, here’s a rough guide about the ordinance:

For individual violators:

First-time offenders: 1,000php
Second-time offenders: 2,000php
Third-time offenders: 3,000php

For violating establishments, closure and invalidation of business permit will be implemented if:

1.The management allows smoking despite the establishment’s classification as a “smoke-free” area.
2.The management does not provide “no-smoking” signages.
3.Smoking areas are fully operational without the prior approval of City Engineering and Health Departments.
4.Establishments have ashtrays within its area despite its classification of “smoke-free”.

Makati should be mimicked by many cities in terms of implementing this law. If smokers will be given a good “ticket” for their acts, then in just a few years, the number of smokers in the Philippines will surely drop big time.