ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas would be shutting down bars, nightclubs and other establishments violating health protocols designed to stop coronavirus disease 2019’s (COVID-19) spread.
He urged managers and owners to control the influx of patrons as well as enforce the minimum health standards.
Treñas eceived reports of establishments crammed with excited partygoers breaching the health mandates, and alcohol-related incidents.
“We have allowed as much economic activities as possible per IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force), particularly the public consumption of alcohol. But we ask for the cooperation of everyone. We don’t want another surge in cases,” Treñas stressed.
The mayor said compliance officers and personnel of the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO), Task Force on Moral Values Formation (TFMVF), Business Permits and Licensing Division (BPLD), and the Iloilo City Police Office will conduct inspections.
PSTMO head Jeck Conlu clarified that establishments are allowed to operate at 50 percent seating capacity (indoor) and 70 percent (outdoor). He advised owners to provide figures of their maximum capacities for checking.
Meanwhile, BPLD head Norman Tabud said workers on duty should be fully vaccinated and have health cards, and establishments should display Safety Seals in conspicuous place for easy reference.
TFMVF head Nestor Canong also reiterated the posting of security guards at entrances for frisking and vaccination card check and non-admission of minors, strict implementation of the anti-smoking policy, and ensure functioning closed-circuit television cameras.
On Nov. 16, Treñas lifted the alcohol ban for fully vaccinated individuals.
The mayor warned consumers to drink responsibly so as to avoid disorderly conduct and/or road mishaps.
How about those yet to be vaccinated?
According to Treñas, they are allowed to buy alcoholic drinks from convenience stores, sari-sari stores and the like, provided they consume these privately.
Meantime, Treñas emphasized that as the city opens more economic activities hammered by the pandemic for over a year, it is important to adhere to the minimum health protocols such as wearing of facemasks, social distancing and frequent hand washing.
“Let us continue to be vigilant,” said Treñas. (With a report from Iloilo City PIO/PN)
