Responsibility towards shared spaces

Effective from the beginning of 2026, Decree 371/2025/ND-CP has added specific penalties for the use and "harboring" of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The regulation stipulating fines of 5 to 10 million VND for managers of establishments where violations occur is attracting significant public attention, especially from service businesses.

The dangers of e-cigarettes. (Illustrative image)

In everyday life, it's not uncommon to see e-cigarettes in cafes and beverage shops. The smoke isn't thick, the smell isn't strong, and they feel "harmless" compared to traditional cigarettes, so many people consider it a minor issue.

Customers use the space naturally, and those around them react little out of politeness or fear of conflict. In that space, silence gradually becomes a habit, inadvertently causing public health values ​​to be overlooked.

For business owners, this silence often stems from a very practical reason: respect for the customer. Retaining loyal customers in today's competitive environment is already difficult, so reminding them is even harder.

Sometimes, a suggestion is weighed against the risk of losing a source of revenue. And so, instead of intervening to protect the clean air, many choose to ignore it in order to maintain the short-term satisfaction of their customers.

The new regulations have redefined the issue. Responsibility no longer rests solely with the person holding the cigarette, but has also been transferred to the person managing the space. This means that each establishment and shop has a specific role to play in shaping civilized behavior.

Even privately owned business spaces must adhere to general principles. They are no longer places where "anyone can do whatever they want," but need clear boundaries to protect the legitimate rights of the majority.

Of course, the law can't change everything instantly. In reality, no one can control every little behavior in a busy restaurant, and not every owner is willing to remind people in every situation. But once sanctions are established, silence is no longer a safe option.

Instead of focusing on coping, we can choose a different perspective: that this is an opportunity to improve service quality. A clean, smoke-free environment is an increasingly clear need for the majority of customers today. A destination where people can find genuine relaxation will retain customers more sustainably than catering to a small group of smokers.

Ultimately, regulations only create a framework for behavior. What makes them truly effective in the long term is how each individual chooses to behave within that framework. When businesses proactively establish their own "green zones" and consumers respect the right of those around them to breathe clean air, regulations will no longer be an administrative burden.

Maintaining shared spaces isn't as big a deal as we think. Sometimes, it just starts with a timely reminder, a firm enough stance to prevent the living environment from being eroded by everyday complacency.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/y-te/suc-khoe/202604/trach-nhiem-voi-khong-gian-chung-a3676e8/