QC bans selling of e-cigarettes to minors

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MANILA — Selling of e-cigarettes to minors has now been included in the long-list of prohibited acts in Quezon City .

Under City Ordinance 2341, any person or business establishment selling to, distributing or purchasing an e-cigarette for a minor shall be dealt with a fine of Php 5,000 or a penalty of 30-day imprisonment, upon the discretion of the court.

The city government may also revoke the business license or permit that it had issued to a business entity or establishment for succeeding offenses.

The city’s business permits and licensing office has been tasked to oversee the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance, which Mayor Herbert Bautista signed into law last Oct.

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The ordinance, principally authored by Councilor Julienne Alyson Rae Medalla, defined electronic cigarette or e-cigarette as an electronic device that provides a vapor of liquid nicotine and/or other substances mixed with propylene glycol to the user as he or she simulates smoking.

In penning the ordinance, Medalla considered the recent observations of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other leading health organizations as to the need for further scientific studies to determine the overall public health impact of e-cigarette use.

The new measure amends City Ordinance SP-681, S-1998, which prohibits the sale of cigarettes, cigar, tobacco, and similar products to all minors by all persons, natural or juridical and all establishments located in QC.