Join hands to build green space

- Along with the implementation of the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms (PCTHCTL) in the social community, the construction of green, smoke-free spaces in the province is increasingly widespread. The awareness of cadres, civil servants, public employees and people about protecting public health, preserving green, clean and healthy spaces has had many clear changes, contributing to building the image of a civilized and safe living environment.

One morning at the beginning of the week, at the Dong Dang Commune Public Administration Service Center , people came to carry out administrative procedures in a clean, airy space . From the hallway to the specialized rooms , the "No Smoking " signs were hung neatly, prominently , and easily seen . Not only is it a regulation, but keeping the space green and clean has become a civilized behavior here. In particular, officials and people all ensure strict implementation of not smoking in the office building.

Ms. Linh Thi Ha Thu, Chief of Office of Dong Dang Commune People's Committee said: The unit currently has nearly 80 cadres and civil servants; among them, there are still a few comrades who smoke. To effectively implement the Law on Tobacco Control, in addition to posting many "No Smoking" signs, the unit also arranges outdoor areas for cadres who want to smoke ; combines regular propaganda and mobilization of comrades to gradually quit smoking, reminding cadres to set an example to the people. Therefore, the unit's office building always ensures to keep the space fresh and smoke -free .

In recent years, along with the implementation of the Law on Tobacco Control, the construction of a smoke-free environment has spread widely in agencies, units, schools, hospitals and service businesses. According to the report of the Provincial Department of Health , by the end of the second quarter of 2025, after operating under the 2-level local government model, 100% of the Steering Committees on Tobacco Control from the province to communes and wards have been completed and issued specific plans to implement activities in this work. In the province, most agencies and administrative units have posted signs saying no smoking in the working area.

Civil servants of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism during working hours

Along with agencies and units, food and beverage service establishments and accommodation establishments also pay special attention to PCTHCTL. Building a green, smoke-free space is considered by many business owners as a criterion demonstrating professionalism and modern service culture. Many cafes, restaurants and hotels have proactively arranged separate areas for smokers, hung no-smoking signs in easy-to-see locations and regularly communicated to employees about the benefits of a smoke-free environment; at the same time, they do not sell cigarettes and remind customers not to smoke in the restaurant area to keep the space clean, creating a comfortable feeling for customers when enjoying food and drinks.

Ms. Le Hai Yen, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the province, said: The industry has integrated the content of propaganda on PCTHCTL into activities and training on tourism profession; deployed the Code of Conduct for civilized tourism to 100% of tourism service establishments, in which many establishments prioritize building a green, smoke-free tourism environment. Thereby, contributing to building the image of Lang Son tourism as civilized, friendly, and attractive to tourists.

According to incomplete statistics, since the beginning of the year, the province's professional agencies have organized 4 training courses on building smoke-free environments in workplaces, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and hotels. In addition, propaganda about the Law on Tobacco Control is also regularly carried out through many forms such as mass media, social networks , posting news articles on industry websites, direct communication in the community... Thanks to that, the awareness of officials and people in joining hands to build green, smoke-free spaces has been increasingly raised and has changed significantly.

A beverage shop in Vinh Trai ward has a sign — A beverage shop in Vinh Trai ward has a "No smoking" sign inside the shop.

If in the past, smoking in cafes, restaurants or public areas was still popular, now that action is gradually becoming "out of place". Mr. Hoang Duc Nam , Tam Thanh ward shared: I used to smoke a lot, but now I see no smoking signs everywhere, when I go to work or eat out , people remind me, so I also limit smoking in public places because I am afraid, I do not want cigarette smoke to affect the people around me.

To improve the effectiveness of the Law on Tobacco Control and build smoke-free spaces , according to the plan in 2025, the province's specialized agencies will continue to organize training courses on building smoke-free environments in restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals, as well as monitor the implementation at 9 agencies and units. Thereby consolidating the models that are operating well, at the same time replicating typical smoke-free agencies, units and businesses across the province.

Smoke -free spaces in the area are now gradually becoming one of the measures of civilized lifestyle and responsibility to the community. When each agency, store, and each person in the province joins hands to preserve green spaces, health is also protected , the living environment is cleaner, contributing to building the image of Lang Son province as green - clean - beautiful, civilized in the eyes of the community and tourists.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/chung-tay-xay-dung-khong-gian-xanh-5063382.html