BACOLOD City – This city will strictly require business establishments serving alcoholic beverages to display signage informing that they are prohibited from serving liquor to persons under 18 years old in compliance with City Ordinance (CO) No. 1251, as amended by CO No. 450.
City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting Jr. reminded this since the renewal of business permits through the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) will start.
He admitted that most establishments in the city were not compliant with the local law.
On Wednesday, Dec. 13, the Sangguniang Panlungsod passed a resolution urging the BPLO and the City Legal Office (CLO) to strictly implement CO No. 450.
Councilor Em Ang said there were reports and concerns raised by parents regarding establishments alleged to be serving alcoholic beverages to minors, particularly establishments located near schools and universities.
A video surfaced on social media and became trending last week with a minor girl, drunk and allegedly drugged, being sexually harassed by four college students at a certain restobar near a school in Barangay 7 here.
Ang added that aside from the negative effects on the health and well-being of children who consume alcoholic drinks, it can also lead to academic problems and engaging in risky sexual activity.
Meanwhile, Ting reminded the establishments that they would be penalized if they failed to implement the ordinance.
If found that they are serving liquor under 18 years old, they will be meted a penalty of a month suspension of their business and three months imprisonment or a fine of P100 or both for the first offense, while for the second offense, a revocation of business permit and six months imprisonment or a fine of P200 or both.
The said ordinance also prohibits establishments within a 200-meter radius of a school from serving liquor./PN
