BACOLOD City – In relation to the upcoming MassKara Festival, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here passed a resolution urging the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to apprehend commercial establishments and vendors selling intoxicating liquor and cigarettes to minors.
“This urges the BCPO to strengthen the campaign against the sale and distribution of alcohol and cigarettes to minors,” according to Councilor Claudio Jesus Puentevella, proponent of the resolution.
The world-renowned MassKara Festival returns this October after a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Puentevella said street parties and gatherings will be celebrated in different parts of the city.
“It is expected that commercial establishments, vendors and similar entities will sell or distribute alcohol and cigarettes to persons without inquiring as to the minority of the buyer,” the councilor said.
City Ordinance No. 450, Series of 2007 that prohibits and penalizes the sale of liquor, beer, or other intoxicants to a person or persons below 18 years of age.
Puentevella also cited Section 9 of Republic Act 9211, also known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which declares it unlawful for any retailer of tobacco products to sell or distribute tobacco products to any minor; for any person to purchase cigarettes or tobacco products from a minor; for a minor to sell or buy cigarettes or any tobacco products; and for a minor to smoke cigarettes or any other tobacco products./PN
