BY GLENDA TAYONA AND RUBY SILUBRICO
ILOILO City – The bar scene in this southern city is gradually returning to life as people reemerge with the metro’s easing to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Alert Level 2.
After almost two years of hiatus, Smallville, a popular rest and recreation complex in Mandurriao district, reopened its doors to night owls on Tuesday.
Mayor Jerry Treñas’ Executive Order No. 137 allows 50 percent indoor capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only and 70 percent outdoor capacity for venues with voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters, among others.
Smallville Complex houses most of such.
According to Public Safety and Transportation Management (PSTMO) head Jeck Conlu, 60 or 70 percent of establishments there were already catering to customers.
But no alcoholic drinks yet, “bawal pa,” stressed Conlu.
During the reopening, Conlu received reports of “over-excited” establishments already serving alcoholic drinks. Others were also mobbed by clubbers.
While the city allows the selling of such liquor between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., “public consumption is prohibited,” added Conlu, also the spokesperson of Iloilo City COVID-19 team.
The compliance team and personnel of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) would be inspecting compliance of the establishments as well as that of clubbers, particularly with the minimum health standards.
Other bars and clubs here will also be inspected, said Conlu.
On the other hand, Police Captain Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO spokesperson, said they would maximize their men in the field.
Sangrines said they would utilize the Iloilo City Mobile Force and cops on motorcycles, in addition to the personnel from the police stations.
The ICPO also warned restaurants and other establishments of the liquor ban.
“Violators would be sanctioned,” Sangrines added.
Moreover, food establishments’ allowed capacity depends on their safety status.
Those with 100 percent fully vaccinated personnel and with Safety Seal Certification are allowed 80 percent and 100 percent for indoor and al fresco, respectively.
Those with Safety Seal only are allowed 50 percent capacity for indoor and 75 percent of al fresco.
Food establishments with 100 percent fully vaccinated personnel but without Safety Seal Certification are allowed 30 percent for indoor and 50 percent for al fresco while those with no safety seal and personnel are not fully vaccinated are only allowed 20 percent capacity for indoor and 50 percent for al fresco./PN