CEBU City will reimpose the liquor ban if bar owners and customers continue to violate health protocol and raise the risk of spreading Covid-19, Mayor Edgardo Labella warned Tuesday, June 8, 2021.

“If there is a massive violation, the possibility is not remote,” Labella said.

Ten establishments in Cebu City face investigation by the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) over possible violations.

Cancellation of the special liquor permit will be the penalty for restaurant and bar owners found negligent in following the minimum health requirements against Covid-19, the mayor said. He reiterated the responsibility of business establishments to follow the health protocol laid down in line with the order of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

“We are investigating to see if they committed violations. If they did, then we might cancel the liquor permit we gave them,” Labella said.

After Covid-19 cases in the city declined, the mayor issued Executive Order 130 on May 6, 2021 lifting the liquor ban that he had imposed under EO 117 on Feb. 2, 2021.

Under EO 130, establishments serving liquor should accommodate only up to 50 percent of their maximum capacity of seated customers at any given time, regardless of the floor area, and they should first secure a clearance from the Cebu City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) before holding regular live entertainment in their premises.

They are not allowed to serve liquor during curfew hours, during which they should also not allow customers and staff to loiter around the premises.

On top of their license to sell and serve liquor, they should also apply for a special permit to be issued by the Cebu City EOC. (CTL)