Vietnam: In the near future, agencies and organizations will have the title of "Smoke-free environment"

According to Clause 1 Article 8 of the Draft Circular of the Ministry of Health of Vietnam, guiding the implementation of regulations on places where smoking is prohibited and the consideration and award of the title of smoke-free environment, “The title of smoke-free environment is a form of award honoring and encouraging agencies and organizations that have well implemented the provisions of the law on places where smoking is prohibited and have met the standards specified in this Circular”.

In which, the title of smoke-free environment shall be decided by the Minister of Health of Vietnam on the basis of the proposal of the Council for considering and conferring the title.

1. Criteria for awarding the title of smoke-free environment

** Minimum criteria for awarding the title of smoke-free environment:

- Locations that strictly and fully comply with the requirements for implementation of smoke-free places specified in Chapter II of this Circular;

- Having rules and regulations stipulating the implementation of places where smoking is prohibited; there are signs and signboards of internal rules and regulations at places where prohibited places are located;

- Allocate and assign tasks to individuals and departments in writing to be responsible for inspecting, monitoring, urging, supervising and evaluating the implementation of smoking-free places;

- Organizing dissemination, training and understanding sessions for staffs, employees, employees, customers and outsiders about the implementation of smoke-free places;

- Place health warnings and health warning information at places where smoking is prohibited;

- The act of smoking must not be allowed at the place of consideration and donation. In case there is an individual who intentionally commits a violation, it must promptly remind and request the cessation of the act and sanction according to its competence or propose the competent authority to impose penalties;

- When there is an unexpected inspection and supervision by a competent state agency, there is no case of violation of the smoking ban, no smoking, no cigarette butts leaves, smoke, cigarette smell in places where smoking is prohibited;

- Implement commendation, discipline and handling of violations related to the implementation of smoking-free places.

** Priority scoring criteria for awarding the title of smoke-free environment:

- Have initiative in implementing smoke-free locations and successfully apply these initiatives in practice;

- Have been awarded prizes, certificates of merit and other equivalent forms of commendation by the People's Committee of the central-affiliated province or city for the place where smoking is prohibited;

- Arranging funds or mobilizing non-financial funds for the implementation of activities in smoking-free places;

- Formulate regular and annual reports, which assess compliance with regulations on smoking-free places, causes and remedial measures;

- Install cameras to detect violations.

      2. Prize mode and time to consider giving

- Agencies and organizations awarded the title of smoke-free environment will receive:

+ Certificate of title of the Minister of Health of Vietnam;

+  Logo (memorial) of the title;

+ Title bonus (equal to 10 times the base salary prescribed by the Government in effect at the time of issuing the decision on recognition of the title);

+ To be introduced, promoted and honored on the mass media or in other appropriate forms.

- Awards are held and awarded annually. Announcement and awarding of titles on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day (May 31) and National No Tobacco Week (May 25 - May 31). This title is valid for 1 year to be considered for the title.

- The maximum number of annual titles awarded is not more than 10 agencies and organizations.

- On the basis of criteria and number of awards, for each type of venue, every year, each central-affiliated province and city proposes 01 (one) public place that well comply with regulations on smoking ban and follow the order and procedures as prescribed in this Circular.

More details at the Draft Circular of the Ministry of Health of Vietnam, guiding the implementation of regulations on places where smoking is prohibited and the consideration and award of the title of smoke-free environment.

Le Hai

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