Bacolod city gov’t imposes liquor ban

BACOLOD City – The local government unit of this city has prohibited the selling of liquor and ordered the closure of videoke bars and internet stations as part of its preventive measures to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

This after Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued Executive Order (EO) No. 25.

“There is now an urgent necessity for the implementation of more stringent forms of social distancing to prevent the transmission of Covid-19 and it is the intention of the city government to undertake more specific measures to effectively protect its citizens,” the mayor stated on his order.

Leonardia reiterated the selling, serving and consumption of liquor and other similarly intoxicating drinks encourage gatherings and close contact among people. These defeat the objectives of community quarantine, he stressed.

Leonardia disclosed the city government has been receiving reports of violation of social distancing measures in karaoke and videoke bars, and internet cafés and gaming stations, where persons, particularly minors and youth, converge and socialize without regard to the declared health regulations combating COVID-19.

In EO No. 25, Section 1 prescribes that the selling/serving by any business establishment or any person of liquors, alcoholic beverages, coconut wine, and other nature wines and the like which causes intoxication is prohibited while Section 2 states the consumption of liquor and any alcoholic beverage in public is also prohibited.

Moreover, Section 3 states all karaoke and videoke bars and establishments, internet cafés or gaming stations, including Pisonet businesses, are closed to the public.

On March 15, Leonardia placed the city under a general community quarantine, restricted all land, sea and air travel to and from Bacolod, and enforced curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

The mayor also suspended the holding of mass gatherings and public events involving a large number of attendees. (With PNA/PN)