The Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) of Davao City has intensified its crackdown against violators of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance and Liquor Ban, collecting P8.4 million in fines from 1,880 anti-smoking apprehensions and 567 liquor ban violations in the first half of the year.
Ret. PLt. Col. Jacy Jay Francia, Officer-in-Charge of the VRU, said during the ISpeak Media Forum that they have strengthened the implementation and enforcement of the amended anti-smoking ordinance and liquor ban as part of the Kadayawan Festival preparations.
“We intensified our operation in conducting apprehensions of violators of anti-smoking, liquor ban, and sobriety ordinance,” he said.
As part of their efforts, the VRU recently had a dialogue with bar owners to remind them of the city’s ordinances.
“Gipatawag nato ang mga bara owners para magkaroon tayo ng dialogue to reorient sa atoang ordinance to see to it nga compliant sila (We conducted a dialogue with bar owners to reorient them with our ordinances and ensure that they are compliant with them),” Francia said.
“Habang naa ang balaod padayon gihapon mi mag-implement niini (For as long as the ordinance is not repealed, we will continue to enforce it),” he added.
Under the amended anti-smoking and liquor ban ordinances, establishments are required to display specific signages prohibiting minors from buying alcoholic drinks and tobacco products (such as cigarettes and vapes) to be displayed in storefronts and conspicuous areas of the establishment.
Failure to require proof of age from a suspected minor, as well as the absence of the prescribed signs, will penalize sellers or establishment owners with P1,000 in fines.
Individuals who serve or sell liquor and tobacco products to minors will also be penalized with a fine worth P5,000 and one year imprisonment.
The public is reminded to abide by the city’s Anti-Smoking Ordinance and Liquor Ban, as well as the other ordinances of the city. CIO
