THE METRO Manila Council (MMC) has approved the use of the Geographical Information System (GIS) for the issuance of permits and licenses related to the sale of tobacco products in the National Capital Region (NCR).
In a statement Tuesday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Romando Artes said Resolution No. 24-31 aims to ensure that businesses selling tobacco and electronic smoking products are not situated within schools, public playgrounds or other facilities frequented by minors.
The strategy is meant to support vape and tobacco control policies by local government units (LGU) in the NCR.
“Ordinances to be enacted by the LGUs must include provisions prohibiting ambulant or mobile vendors of cigarettes and electronic smoking products, as these vendors are capable of circumventing laws prohibiting the sale of such products within prohibited areas,” Artes said.
The use of GIS technology will provide an “accurate and efficient means” for LGUs to guarantee that locations are verified before the issuance of business permits and licenses, he added.
The GIS is a tool for local governments to ensure compliance with existing laws and ordinances.
Under Republic Act No. 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act and Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, the selling of tobacco and vape products are prohibited within a 100-meter perimeter of schools, playgrounds and other areas of youth activities.
Under the new resolution, establishments found within the 100-meter prohibited perimeter will be notified and given a “reasonable amount of time” to remove smoking or vaping products from their inventory.
“Any establishment that continues to sell smoking and vaping products within the prohibited areas shall be subject to penalties, which may include fines, confiscation of products, or revocation of business permits,” the resolution read. (Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)
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