City warns business establishments without permit

THE local government has formally warned operators of at least 30 business establishments in Zamboanga City to immediately comply with requirements or face sanctions that include closure.

Assistant City Administrator Elmeir Apolinario said warning notices have been sent to businessmen giving them two weeks within which to comply with the requirements.

“Closure orders will follow after two weeks if they continue to operate without business permits,” Apolinario said on Monday.

The erring business establishments include karaoke bars, internet cafes, and dormitories operating within the seven-kilometer radius and those operating as far as Ayala and Vitali districts, Apolinario said.

The warning notices were offshoot of inspections done by a task force created to check on illegally-operating business establishments.

The task force is composed of representatives from the City Administrator’s Office, City Legal Office, City Treasurer’s Office, City Engineer’s Office and City Permits Division under the Office of the mayor among others.

Last June, the City Government has ordered the immediate closure of at least 30 business establishments to include restaurants and internet cafes located in the city proper also for operating without business permits and other requirements.

Apolinario said that it is the duty and obligation of the owners of the business establishments to comply with the law.

City Ordinance 92-008 otherwise known as the Revenue Ordinance mandates businessmen to secure licenses or permits before operating any business activity.