LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — The town of Sablan has passed a measure banning the sale of tobacco and restricting their access to minors in the area to protect them from the adverse effects of smoking cigars and cigarettes.

The Sangguniang Bayan saw the need to pass the measure as many minors are observed to be indulging in vices such as cigarette smoking and liquor drinking that pose hazard to their health.

Municipal Ordinance Number 11-07 prohibits the sale of tobacco and restricting their access to minors with the jurisdiction of the municipality of Sablan with the imposition of penal provisions.

These vices will have a negative impact on their studies and on their upbringing as future leaders of the community, the measure stated.

One of the provisions of the measure is for the adoption of education program for the youth on anti-smoking in all schools in the town.

Another provision incorporated are duties of storeowners that in case of stores as family business, the parent/storeowner should to exercise parental authority and educate their minor in their absence not to sell cigarette or tobacco products to any minor.