BY GLENDA TAYONA AND IME SORNITO
ILOILO City – After over a year, the outdoor alcohol ban has been lifted in this southern city but only for individuals fully vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Yesterday, Treñas amended Executive Order 137-2021 in light of the sale and consumption of liquor here.
“Considering that the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) does not have any mandate on the public consumption of liquor, we will allow (it) as long as the individual is fully vaccinated,” Treñas said.
The sale and consumption of liquor shall now be allowed any time of the day.
According to Treñas, establishments offering alcoholic beverages shall admit fully vaccinated individuals only while observing 50 percent indoor capacity and 70 percent outdoor capacity.
“This would allow a number of businesses to recover from the impacts of the pandemic,” said the mayor.
Treñas urged restaurateurs and club owners to require patrons of vaccination cards and proof of identification prior to serving drinks.
The mayor also warned consumers, especially night owls, to drink responsibly so as to avoid rowdy incidents and/or road mishaps.
Serving liquor to minors is strictly prohibited.
How about those who are yet to get vaccinated?
According to Treñas, they are allowed to buy alcoholic drinks from convenience stores, sari-sari stores and the like, provided they would 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.
On the other hand, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. also allows the serving of alcoholic drinks to fully vaccinated individuals in restaurants, bars and other establishments in the province.
These establishments shall observe 50 percent indoor capacity and 70 percent outdoor capacity, he said.
Patrons also need to present their vaccination cards.
However, public consumption is still not allowed.
Curfew (9 p.m. to 4 a.m.) is also strictly enforced. The sale of alcoholic drinks within this period is prohibited./PN
