“It’s not too late to create a healthy environment,” Tudela said, reacting to the passage of the H.B. 16-47 by the House of Representative.
Some senators might oppose the total ban, he said, but they have to look into the welfare of the general populace.
As a non-smoker, the mayor said, he wants to have healthy and clean air in public places such as restaurants, coffee shops and cafeterias.
He said the restaurant management, if opposed to a total ban, should designate a smoking area.
Under the bill, sponsored by Rep. Justo S. Quitugua, D-Saipan, violators will be fined $50 and the owner of the establishment will have to pay $200 up to $500 per violation.
However, bars, night clubs and other similar establishments offering alcoholic beverages can still allow smoking by designating a smoking area.
