BAGUIO CITY (Feb. 7) — Smokers will now have a hard time looking for designated smoking areas as the city council approved on its third and final reading a comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance.

Awaiting the approval of Mayor Reinaldo A. Bautista, the said ordinance will prohibit smoking in public utility vehicles including taxis, public or government buildings, and in establishments like restaurants and hotels, and other public places like malls, terminals and town squares within the city limits.

Proposed by Councilors Erdolfo V. Balajadia and Antonio R. Tabora Jr., the ordinance aims to protect the non-smokers from inhaling second-hand smoke, and to entice smokers to quit this unhealthy habit.

Violators of the said city ordinance will be fined P500 to P2,000 or will be imprisoned from one to six months.

The said ordinance will also compel establishments to have designated smoking areas unless the management declare their establishment as totally smoke-free. The Health Services Office and the City Engineering Office will be tasked to inspect and certify the suitability of the designated smoking areas. # Cye Reyes for NORDIS