LECTURE. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte discusses to establishment owners to open up their stores as early as 5 pm to avoid violating the liquor ban that starts at 1 am to 8 am during the information drive at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, Tuesday. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio told operators and managers of clubs and bars in the city to follow regulations on the selling of liquor or face closure.
In a meeting with business owners Tuesday, Duterte reminded them of existing ordinances in relation to vices such as smoke and liquors.
“Karon pa ang warning mao gipatawag tanan para maapil sa tanan (This is the first warning so I called everybody),” Duterte said referring to the information drive.
The mayor said the information drive aims to support business owners who have issues and problems about the ordinances as the city does not want businesses to close.
She said a new executive order would be implemented on the regulation of liquor and tobacco on business sectors beginning April 3, after her maternity leave.
A Vice Regulation Unit would also be formed under the supervision of Voltaire Engracia, the incoming co-chair of anti-smoking task force of the city.
The said unit, according to Duterte, will inspect, conduct raid if necessary, and close establishment. It will implement the ordinances discussed during the information drive.
“That is what I do not want to happen,” Duterte said.
Many cases raised during the information drive were on the liquor ban time when most bars or clubs mentioned still have customers drinking when the ban is in effect, or the stores still being open at 2 am to 3 am.
Some bars or clubs outside the downtown area were also reported still opened by 5 am.
“That is why we add additional manpower to the regulation unit and add resources on the implementation in the whole city,” Duterte said.
The city ordinance on liquor ban has been running for four years since its passage in the City Council last June 2013.
This was implemented during the term of then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and now President of the Philippines, in response to the issue on maintaining peace and order in the city.
The ordinance bans establishments, clubs and bars, to sell liquor from 1 am to 8 am. (davaotoday.com)
