ILOILO City – The city government has lifted the ban on liquor consumption and sale, and also scrapped the 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew notwithstanding the city’s pandemic Alert Level 3 status.
The lifting of these prohibitions went “effective immediately” yesterday upon Mayor Jerry Treñas’ issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 016-2022 ordering such.
Previously, public consumption of liquor was prohibited while its sale was restricted only to between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m
“Cases (of coronavirus disease 2019) are already going down. Economic activities must be gradually allowed,” said Treñas.
However, according to the city’s chief executive, people must continue to observe the minimum health protocols such as adequate physical distancing and restrictions imposed by local ordinances such as the one prohibiting the dispensation of liquor to minors, and the curfew ordinance specific to minors (those below 18 years old).
Treñas ordered city government compliance officers and other authorized personnel to conduct regular random inspections particularly of business establishments to ensure compliance.
Erring establishments such as restaurants, convenience stores, grocery stores, sari-sari stores and the like will be meted out with appropriate penalties provided under the Iloilo City Tax Code., he said.
Also, according to Treñas, persons violating protocols and endangering the lives of the residents of Iloilo City shall face appropriate administrative and/or criminal charges.
FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS’ CAPACITY INCREASED
The maximum seating capacity in food preparation establishments such as kiosks, commissaries, restaurants, and eateries has also been increased.
Establishments with 100 percent of its personnel reporting onsite and fully vaccinated against coronavirus disease, and have Safety Seal Certification, are allowed 80 percent indoor dining capacity and 100 percent al fresco dining.
Establishments with Safety Seal only are allowed (50 percent indoor dining) and 70 percent alfresco dining.
Establishments whose personnel reporting on site are 100 percent fully vaccinated but without Safety Seal are allowed 30 percent indoor dining and 50 percent al fesco dining.
Establishments without Safety Seal and whose personnel and staff reporting onsite are not fully vaccinated are allowed 20 indoor dining and 50 percent al fresco dining.
Meanwhile, businesses, persons or activities undertaken within Iloilo City which are not specifically cited in the prescribed capacities provided in Treñas’ executive order and excluded from the negative list in Section (8) of the order shall be allowed EO at (80 percent) while encouraging work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements where applicable.
OTHER ALLOWED INDUSTRIES, ACTIVITIES
Meanwhile, the following establishments, or activities, are allowed at a maximum of 30 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only, and 50 percent outdoor venue capacity:
* venues for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions;
* permitted venues for social events such as parties, weddings, receptions, among others;
* visitor or tourist attractions such as libraries, archives, museums, galleries, parks, plazas, public gardens, scenic viewpoints or overlooks, and the like;
* recreational venues such as internet cafes, billiard halls, amusement arcades, bowling alleys, skating rinks, archery halls, swimming pools, and similar venues;
* cinemas and movie houses,
* limited face-to-face or in-person classes for basic education
* limited face-to-face or in-person classes for higher education and for technical-vocational education and training;
* licensure or entrance/qualifying examinations
* dine-in services of food preparation establishments such as kiosks, commissaries, restaurants, and eateries
* venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters;
* bars, nightclubs, disco clubs, and KTV establishments;
* personal care establishments such as barbershops, hair spas, hair salons, and nail spas
* fitness studios, gyms, and venues for individual non-contact exercise;
* film, music, and television production; and
* contact sports and non-contact sports, provided that those under an indoor set-up shall accommodate only fully vaccinated patrons, strictly recording names and contact details for tracing purposes and must conduct thorough and frequent decontamination of the venue and equipment. Organizers of sporting events shall coordinate with Iloilo Sports and Youth Division to ensure proper regulation and compliance to health protocols.
PROHIBITED ESTABLISHMENTS, ACTIVITIES
The following establishments and/or activities characterized as high-risk for transmission are still not allowed to operate, or be undertaken:
* face-to-face or in-person classes for basic education, except those previously approved by the IATF and/or the Office of the President;
* funfairs/peryas and kid amusement industries such as playgrounds, playroom, and kiddie rides; and
* casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments except as may be authorized by the IATF or the Office of the President./PN
