OF THE five major shopping malls in Davao City, only two have an approved designated outdoor smoking area (Dosa) by the Davao City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ASTF), a city official said.

Speaking in Monday’s edition of Davao Press Club’s Kapehan sa Dabaw, ASTF head Dr. Domilyn C. Villareiz said the two malls with approved Dosa are SM Lanang Premier and SM City Davao, each has three Dosas due to their size.

“Abreeza Mall has no Dosa but they have applied for it while Gaisano Mall and NCCC Mall have neither a Dosa nor they have applied to ASTF to have one,” she said.

She said Gaisano Mall’s the Peak has no approved Dosa and they have already apprehended a lot of individuals who were smoking at its parking space, believed by clients as its Dosa.

Victoria Plaza, Gaisano South Mall, Felcris, and Chimes also do not have its own Dosa.

According to The New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance (Ordinance 0367-12, Series of 2012), for a commercial and business establishment to have an approved dosa it must be 10 meters away from its entrances and exits with an area of not larger than five square meters and with no permanent or temporaty roof or walls.

“Also they should put a smoking area sign, no food and drinks sign, and minors are not allowed sign in these areas,” Villareiz said.

Establishments caught violating will be fined a maximum of P5,000 or four months imprsonment.

Villareiz said they are conducting daily random checks on commercial and business establishments if they have approved dosas or have a permit to sell cigarettes.

She also said establishments should apply for the approval of Dosa yearly to see if the establishment is still existing or not.

Villareiz said that since January, this year, ASTF has approved a total of 14 Dosas for various establishments throughout the city.