A Metro Manila Council (MMC) resolution requires city governments to come up with an ordinance on the use of mapping technology when issuing license for cigarette and vape stores to ensure that these are at least 100 meters away from schools and areas of youth activities in the metropolis.

Geographical information system will provide an accurate and efficient means for local government units to verify locations of tobacco and e-cigarette stores prior to the issuance of business permits and licenses, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Romando Artes said on Tuesday.

“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 added.

The resolution approved and adopted by the MMC on 24 November reinforces the implementation of Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, and RA 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, both of which prohibits the sale of smoking products within 100 meters of schools, playgrounds, and other areas of youth activities.

Local government units are also enjoined to enact rules on the display of signages prohibiting the sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes within the prohibited areas. The signages shall include graphic health warning illustrations and legal citations.