‘UNFAIR TREATMENT’

Uneven enforcement of alcohol curfew slammed

ILOILO City – The “alcohol curfew” is being implemented unevenly, according to an anonymous complaint that reached the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP). Some business establishments serving alcoholic beverages appeared to have unfairly secured exemptions.

Mayor Jose Espinosa III’s Executive Order (EO) No. 146 issued last Dec. 14, 2017 yet mandated the closure by 2 a.m. of all establishments serving intoxicating liquor.

The complaint letter called the SP’s attention to the rampant violation of the EO particularly at Smallville Complex, a popular strip of bars, restaurants and discotheques in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao district.

Photos of these erring establishments operating even beyond 2 a.m. were furnished to the city council.

According to Councilor Joshua Alim, the complainant was likely an owners of business establishment, too, at Smallville Complex but dutifully observing the EO.

“The complainant is asking the help of this august body. While this concern is more on executive functions I think we need to have a public hearing on this,” said Alim.

The EO’s impact to, among others, the city’s peace and order situation may also be tackled in the hearing, he added.

In issuing the EO last year, Espinosa said he wanted to avert a breakdown of peace and order at night and early morning mostly caused by inebriated people.

“We have a complaint from a taxpayer of this city. I think we need to have a serious look at this,” said Alim.

The complainant cited one case – a bar closes its main entrance by 2 a.m. as if it is observing the alcohol curfew but it actually has another entrance far from the prying eyes of policemen tasked to secure Smallville Complex.

“In fairness to our police, they have presence in every corner. But this alternative entrance of the bar could not be seen from where our policemen are posted,” said Alim.

The complaint was referred to the SP committee on police, fire, penology, public safety, order and security, dangerous drugs and rehabilitation chaired by Alim himself.

“I think we need to take a look on this and make proper recommendations to the mayor,” he stressed.

The complaint appeared to have confirmed the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office’s (PSTMO) disclosure just last week that over 20 establishments were violating the alcohol curfew.

Most of the violators were in the City Proper, Mandurriao and Jaro districts, said PSTMO head Jeck Conlu.

“Notices of violation have already been issued by the BPLO (Business Processing and Licensing Office) to these establishments. Some were even issued twice,” said Conlu.

The PSTMO and Iloilo City Police Office were the ones tasked to enforce EO 146.

Under the EO, an erring establishment’s business permit may be cancelled or not renewed.

Establishments covered by the EO – bars, nightclubs, restaurants – must set a time for receiving last orders from customers so as to meet the 2 a.m. curfew that stretches until 8 a.m.

The EO, however, has exemptions. These are the following:

* 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 within its premises from 2 a.m. until 8 a.m. on the same day./PN

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