City to strictly ban beer joints near schools

THE Liquor and Licensing Commission (LLC) will strictly implement the Cebu City liquor ordinance that prohibits selling of alcohol beverages by any person, partnership, firm or corporation whose place of business is within the residential zone of urban areas and within 100 meters from the perimeter or property boundary line of any school or hospital.

Dr. Lucille Mercado, board member of LLC, said stalls can sell but cannot serve liquor. Violators, she added, will be penalized with a P5,000 fine.

Mayor Michael Rama said this move is important because it deals with the future of the youth.

When asked on the possibilities of being approached by businessmen, Mayor Rama said: “I am more on rule of law than rule of man,” adding he does not believe in special permits.

Criminology students and other volunteers are encouraged to help in observing the ordinance.

Last February 2012, LLC was set to recommend the closure of restobars, karaoke bars and other beer joints in the city operating within 100 meters from schools.

This was after the LLC refused to approve the application of some business establishments selling and serving liquor near the academic institutions.

LLC vice chairman Leonardo Chiu said members of the commission agreed to shut down establishments that violated City Ordinance 1413 or the Liquor Licensing Ordinance. (Nera Mariz Puyo and Jolina Ylaya, USJR MassCom Interns/Sunnex)