Implementing regulations on designated no-smoking areas.
(Baonghean.vn) - Circular 11/2023/TT-BYT clearly states specific requirements for locations where smoking is completely prohibited indoors and within the premises; locations where smoking is completely prohibited indoors; and public transportation.
 |
Representatives from Nghe An participated in the workshop. Photo: Thanh Chung |
In response to World No Tobacco Day on May 31st and National No Tobacco Week from May 25th to 31st, 2023, the Ministry of Health organized a workshop on the morning of May 29th to implement Circular 11/2023/TT-BYT regulating the implementation of smoke-free zones and the awarding of prizes for smoke-free environments.
Professor, Doctor Tran Van Thuan – Deputy Minister of Health, chaired the workshop. The workshop was attended by representatives from all provinces and cities nationwide... The Nghe An branch included leaders from the Provincial People's Committee Office, relevant departments and agencies, and health units in the province.
On May 11, 2023, the Ministry of Health issued Circular 11/2023/TT-BYT regulating the implementation of no-smoking zones.cigaretteand awarding of the smoke-free environment prize. The Circular takes effect on August 1, 2023. The Circular stipulates the following places where smoking is prohibited:
Smoking is completely prohibited indoors and within the premises of the following locations: healthcare facilities; educational institutions; childcare, nurturing, and recreational facilities; and facilities or areas with a high risk of fire or explosion as stipulated in Decree 136/2020/ND-CP.
Indoor locations where smoking is completely prohibited include: Indoor workplaces of state administrative agencies, public service units, businesses, political organizations, socio-political organizations, social organizations, professional social organizations, and workplaces of other agencies, organizations, and units.
Indoor areas of public places such as food service establishments, entertainment venues, train stations, bus stations, religious institutions, convention centers, shopping malls, markets, theaters, cultural centers, cinemas, circuses, clubs, sports arenas, stadiums, community centers, and common areas of apartment complexes and other public places.
Public transportation is completely smoke-free, including cars, airplanes, and trains. Indoor smoking is prohibited, but designated smoking areas are permitted, including airport isolation areas; bars, karaoke venues, and nightclubs; hotels, motels, guesthouses, resorts, and other tourist accommodation establishments; and public transportation such as ships and trains.
 |
Many people are unaware of the harmful effects of tobacco and freely smoke in prohibited areas. (Photo: Archival material) |
In addition, these no-smoking areas all have the following general requirements: A sign or symbol prohibiting smoking must be displayed or printed. The sign must have a clear, easy-to-understand, and concise message; the material must be durable and fade-resistant; the sign must be outdoors and withstand the effects of the external environment; the size and font of the sign must be appropriate for the location and space; the text must be bold and easy to read; and the color of the text or symbol must contrast with the background color. Signs placed in public areas with insufficient lighting must have reflective or illuminated elements, or other suitable means to ensure visibility.
The placement of signs must ensure appropriate spacing between signs according to the scale and space of each location; signs should be placed in easily visible locations with high foot traffic; at the entrance to the grounds, outdoor parking areas; and for indoor areas, at entrances, lobbies, reception areas, waiting areas, stairwells, inside elevators, covered corridors, parking garages, restrooms, etc. Ashtrays, smoking paraphernalia, cigarette butts, and ashes are prohibited in areas where smoking is prohibited.
Following the issuance of the Circular, the People's Committee of Nghe An province issued Official Letter No. 3712/UBND-VX regarding the implementation of Circular No. 11/2023/TT-BYT dated May 11, 2023, of the Ministry of Health to provincial departments, agencies, and units, as well as the People's Committees of districts, cities, and towns. The People's Committee of the province requested that units, based on their functions and duties, seriously and effectively implement Circular 11.
Previously, the People's Committee of Nghe An province also issued Official Document No. 3543/UBND-VX on strengthening communication about the harmful effects ofelectronic cigarettesInspect and strictly handle cases of trading in e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, including heated tobacco products.
The Provincial People's Committee requests the Department of Industry and Trade, the Market Management Department, the People's Committees of districts, cities, and towns, and other relevant agencies to strengthen inspections and strictly handle cases of buying, selling, and trading electronic tobacco products, heated tobacco products, and shisha that are not permitted for import, business, and circulation in Vietnam.
