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[av_heading heading=’PEACE, AT LAST? ‘Alcohol curfew’ keeps Smallville trouble-free ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO
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ILOILO City – Smallville Complex in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao district has been peaceful since the imposition of the 2 a.m. curfew on establishments dispensing alcoholic drinks, according to the police.
The Mandurriao police station had not monitored trouble at the popular strip of bars, nightclubs, hotels, and restaurants, according to Chief Inspector Juvy Navales, the district police chief.
“We are happy. We pray this would endure,” said Navales.
On Dec. 14, Mayor Jose Espinosa III issued Executive Order (EO) No. 146 mandating the closure by 2 a.m. of all establishments in the city serving intoxicating liquor.
Prior to the alcohol curfew, Mandurriao policemen had been unable to prevent trouble at Smallville. Most of those involved in past incidents were inebriated youngsters.
According to Navales, the strict enforcement of the curfew for minors and enhanced police visibility at Smallville also improved the peace and order situation in the area.
Despite the improvement, however, the Iloilo City Police Office is not leaving anything to chance. The duty hours of policemen posted at Smallville would last until 6 a.m. each day.
“We have 22 personnel there. They are posted in strategic areas,” said Senior Superintendent Henry Biñas, city police director.
In issuing the EO, Espinosa said he was wary of a possible surge in nighttime brawls this holiday season and even next month when the city marks the 50th anniversary of the Dinagyang Festival.
But businesses at Smallville were not enthusiastic of the 2 a.m. curfew. Iloilo Business Club executive director Lea Lara said other options should be explored. The city’s tourism industry could be adversely affected, she warned.
Tourism regional director Helen Catalbas, however, said tourists – be they domestic or foreign – come here not to primarily binge-drink until dawn but to attend conventions, visit tourist spots, unwind in beaches or inland resorts, visit friends and relatives.
“(The curfew) is a welcome move. We are pushing for a peaceful and orderly tourist destination,” said Catalbas. “We have always been consistent in saying nga peace and order is a major tourist attraction in Iloilo City.”
EO 146 actually has exemptions – hotels/motels; resorts accredited by the Department of Tourism; restaurants, provided they shall not sell nor serve nor dispense nor allow customers to drink within their premises from 2 a.m. until 8 a.m. on the same day; and convenience stores operating on a 24-hour basis, provided that such convenience stores may sell but shall not serve nor allow its customers to drink.
The mayor, though, is keen on making the new policy the new norm for businesses engaged in the dispensation of alcoholic beverages. The EO would be deemed as an additional condition for these establishments when applying for business permits.
Violation of the EO would entail administrative sanctions which include but is not limited to cancellation of business permits and/or closure of business establishment, or non-renewal of business permit for the subsequent year./PN
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