ILOILO City – For allegedly breaching coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health protocols, a popular restobar at Smallville Complex in Mandurriao district could be closing soon.
Mayor Jerry Treñas announced that the city’s Compliance Team will be recommending the closure of Lanai Resto Bar for “noncompliance of the minimum health protocols, like physical distancing and wearing of face masks.”
“The city is determined to ensure that the minimum health protocols are continually observed . Action will be taken therein,” said Treñas.
The restobar has yet to issue a statement as of press time.
Treñas earlier warned that bars, nightclubs and other establishments violating health protocols would be shut down.
He urged managers and owners to control the influx of patrons as well as enforce the minimum health standards.
“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 traffic accidents./PN
