BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued Executive Order (EO) No. 37 for the partial lifting of the ban on the selling of liquor within the City of Bacolod and allowing the consumption thereof only in private residents.
The EO was signed by Leonardia on May 25.
On March 24, Leonardia issued EO No. 25, which prohibited the selling, serving, and consumption of liquor in the city until further notice.
Leonardia said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has clarified that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has not issued a ban on the retail distribution of liquor or alcoholic beverages in enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) or general community quarantine (GCQ) areas.
He said the continued ban on alcoholic beverages contributes to the decline of the Philippine economy where several workers face displacement from possible closure of liquor companies due to business reverses.
“Owing to the possible consequences of an extended ban on liquor on the economy and to the livelihood of small and medium entrepreneurs engaged in its retail distribution amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis, the City recognizes the need to partially ease the restriction by allowing the sale and distribution of liquor and its consumption subject to certain conditions and the strict observance of health protocols,” he added.
Section 1 of the EO states that the ban on the selling of liquor, wine, beer, or any alcoholic or intoxicating beverage is hereby lifted and shall be allowed from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. only, subject to the strict observance of social distancing and other mandatory health protocols.
The consumption of the alcoholic beverages shall be allowed but only within private residences. Drinking beyond the premises of the house, along alleys, and sidewalks, and in any public place, such as but not limited to restaurants, bars, convenience stores, and sari-sari store is prohibited.
Any person, entity, or establishment found to be in violation of the provisions of the EO shall be meted with sanctions, including but not limited to suspension, revocation of its business permit or license, and/or closure; or in the case of unlawful consumption, possible arrest and the filing of criminal charges for violation of Republic Act No. 11332 or any applicable law or ordinance.
The barangay and other authorized city officials, the City Legal Office Enforcement Unit, Public Order and Safety Office, and the business permits and licensing officer together with the Bacolod City Police Office, shall enforce the provision of this order, it added.