Bacolod City Recalls Anti-Smoking Task Force After Pandemic Hiatus

Sep.20.2022
Bacolod City Recalls Anti-Smoking Task Force After Pandemic Hiatus
Bacolod Mayor reactivates anti-smoking task force to enforce smoking ban after COVID-19 outbreak.

Bacolod City - Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has reconvened the Bacolod Anti-Smoking Task Force (BASTF) to suspend the implementation of the city's anti-smoking ordinance, which was in effect before the outbreak of the 2019 coronavirus pandemic.


BASTF had previously convened and formed an action group to carry out the regulation, but due to the emergence of the pandemic, the operation was ultimately stopped," said the chairperson of the task force, Bennetts. The vice chairperson, lawmaker Simplicia Distrito, served as the chairperson of the task force.


A copy of administrative order number 34-22, released by the city government on Monday, states that BASTF and new members will continue to implement, strengthen, and oversee the order, while ensuring protection against interference from the tobacco industry.


It will also conduct educational and promotional activities, information dissemination plans, and capacity-building initiatives, to provide voters with information and train law enforcement officials.


As the chairman of the working group, Benitez will oversee the implementation of all anti-smoking regulations, including the regulation of e-cigarettes, and supervise the operations of the enforcement officers and action teams.


The mayor has instructed city administrators to assist in monitoring implementation and enforcement, provide regular status updates, and oversee the destruction of noncompliant cigarette products.


He also tasked city health officials with issuing formal subpoena to law enforcement personnel, assigning a hotline or any other number for reporting violations, and appointing city legal officials to assist in reviewing reports and complaints, and provide any legal aid and regulations related to the matter.


Statement:


This article compiles information from third-party sources and is intended for industry-related discussions and learning purposes only.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the content. The translation of this article is only intended for industry-related exchange and research.


Due to limitations in translation abilities, the translated article may not fully reflect the original text. Please refer to the original text for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign-related expressions and stances.


The copyright of compiled information belongs to the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Special Report | China’s New Five-Year Plan Highlights “Health-First” Strategy, Providing Policy Context for Tobacco Sector
Special Report | China’s New Five-Year Plan Highlights “Health-First” Strategy, Providing Policy Context for Tobacco Sector
China’s 2026 “Two Sessions” reviewed the draft Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, which proposes implementing a health-first development strategy and strengthening the effectiveness of the Patriotic Health Campaign. Although the document does not address specific industries, this public-health governance framework provides a new policy context for observing the future regulation, product strategies, and market development of China’s tobacco and next-generation nicotine sectors.
Industry Insight
Mar.08
Austintown PTA hosts “Live Vape Free” town hall to discuss teen vaping risks and prevention
Austintown PTA hosts “Live Vape Free” town hall to discuss teen vaping risks and prevention
The Austintown Parent Teacher Association hosted a “Live Vape Free” town hall to discuss the dangers of vaping devices among middle and high schoolers, the report said. The event was funded by the National PTA Vape-Free Futures Challenge Grant, provided in collaboration with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and Austintown was one of seven PTAs nationwide to receive it.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nebraska weighs child-safety lock requirement for vapes sold in the state
Nebraska weighs child-safety lock requirement for vapes sold in the state
Nebraska lawmakers heard testimony on LB1254, which would require electronic smoking devices sold in the state to include built-in child safety features. Violations would be a Class IV misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500. Supporters argued young children can easily activate unprotected devices by inhaling, risking exposure to nicotine and other toxic chemicals, and said safeguards should mirror child-resistant measures used for medications and other household products.
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Casey’s, the No. 3 U.S. C-Store Chain, Sees Nicotine Category Shift as Pouches Rise 31% and Vapor 12%
Casey’s, the No. 3 U.S. C-Store Chain, Sees Nicotine Category Shift as Pouches Rise 31% and Vapor 12%
Casey’s General Stores (NASDAQ: CASY) reported accelerating growth in modern nicotine products during its fiscal third quarter ended January 31, 2026. Nicotine pouch sales increased 31% year over year, while vapor products rose 12%. Although cigarette unit sales continued to decline, management stated that the rate of decline slowed compared to prior quarters.
Market
Mar.15
Belarus Official Says Full Vape Ban Is Not Advisable Due to Supply Risks From Russia
Belarus Official Says Full Vape Ban Is Not Advisable Due to Supply Risks From Russia
A Belarusian Interior Ministry official said on March 18 at a press conference on preventing dependence on electronic smoking systems that a full ban on vapes is not appropriate in Belarus at this stage.
Mar.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Imperial Brands Expands Blu Fruit-Flavour Offerings Following Consumer Preference Data
Imperial Brands Expands Blu Fruit-Flavour Offerings Following Consumer Preference Data
Imperial Brands has announced the launch of a new Sour Berry flavour for its Blu vape range. The product will launch across retail this month, with both the Blu bar kit and Blu pod pack carrying a recommended retail price of GBP 5.99 (approximately USD 7.79, based on 1 GBP ≈ 1.30 USD).
Apr.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai