ILOILO City – “Wala serving sang alcoholic drinks sa mga minors.”
This is the reminder of the Iloilo City Police (ICPO) to bars, particularly at Smallville entertainment complex in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao district.
It will be stationing more policemen there.
“Madamo nga pulis ang aton ibutang kay dira ang bulyada sang mga tawo kun gab-i,” said Police Major Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO spokesperson.
Cops would ensure that pandemic health protocols and the curfew for minors are observed.
“Dapat wala gid sang serving sang alcoholic drinks sa mga minors. As much as possible they have to show documents to prove that they are no longer minors,” said Sangrines.
Bar managements must also require client to present their coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination cards.
On Feb. 18, Mayor Jerry Treñas lifted curfew and liquor ban.
“We are appealing to the public nga wala lang sang gamo. Happy-happy lang kay gin pahanugutan na kamo,” Sangrines said.
The city government lifted the ban on liquor consumption and sale, and also scrapped the 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew notwithstanding the city’s pandemic Alert Level 3 status.
Previously, public consumption of liquor was prohibited while its sale was restricted only to between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
“Cases (of coronavirus disease 2019) are already going down. Economic activities must be gradually allowed,” said Mayor Treñas.
However, according to the city’s chief executive, people must continue to observe the minimum health protocols such as adequate physical distancing and restrictions imposed by local ordinances such as the one prohibiting the dispensation of liquor to minors, and the curfew ordinance specific to minors (those below 18 years old).
Treñas ordered city government compliance officers and other authorized personnel to conduct regular random inspections particularly of business establishments to ensure compliance.
Erring establishments such as restaurants, convenience stores, grocery stores, sari-sari stores and the like will be meted out with appropriate penalties provided under the Iloilo City Tax Code., he said.
Also, according to Treñas, persons violating protocols and endangering the lives of the residents of Iloilo City shall face appropriate administrative and/or criminal charges./PN
