BACOLOD City – The City Permits and Licensing Division warned computer shops of legal consequences should they violate City Ordinance 486 series of 2009.
Under the ordinance, computer shops are prohibited to operate within the 200-meter area near schools.
Owners must not also allow students from entering their shops before 5 p.m. and after 8 p.m. on weekdays except legal holidays.
The ordinance was passed in response to complaints from parents who said their children were cutting classes to play online games in computer shops.
Stela Rose Rayos, head of the City Permits and Licensing Division, said 10 of her personnel have been inspecting computer shops around the city since May in preparation for the resumption of classes this month.
Aside from making sure that the computer shops are compliant with the ordinance, Rayos said her personnel are also checking if the establishments have business permits.
Rayos added that so far they have not yet received any complaints against computer shops. But this won’t stop them from forming a joint inspection team in July, she stressed.
The joint inspection team will strictly monitor the shops.
Shops that violate the ordinance will be issued a notice on the first offense. Another notice will be served on the second offense.
If a shop still violates the ordinance after that, it will face charges before the City Legal Office./PN
