AFTER seeing a steady slowdown in Covid-19 cases in Cebu, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) said it is high time that businesses reopened while adhering to safety protocols.
This sentiment arose following the decision of Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella to lift the liquor ban on Friday, May 7, 2021, upon CCCI’s request.
“To be realistic, businesses are craving for sales now,” CCCI president Felix Taguiam said.
According to Taguiam, since Cebu has been doing well in containing the Covid-19 pandemic, consumers must also do their part in further containing the spread of the virus by disciplining themselves, especially when they are outdoors. He said Cebuanos shouldn’t also be complacent.
“We welcome this positive news. It is about time the government lifted the liquor ban,” said Adrian Diongzon, marketing director of Coffee Prince Inc., “as long as there is a clear executive order (EO) to regulate business owners and consumers will comply,” he said.
Coffee Prince Inc., which owns The Pyramid in Cebu IT Park, is one of those severely affected by the liquor ban in Cebu City. This was one of the reasons The Pyramid quickly offered an eat-all-you-can concept together with its sister restaurant, Oppa’s Kitchen, to stay afloat in business.
Labella warned that establishments must follow health protocols and the limit of two bottles that each customer can drink.
To enforce the protocols, the Cebu City government will deploy liquor marshals who will monitor the establishments.
A warning will be issued to an establishment caught violating the guidelines for the first time. Business permit revocation and closure will be meted to those that continue to violate the safety protocol.
Labella issued Executive Order 117 on Feb. 3, 2021, that reimposed the liquor ban in Cebu City to prevent non-essential gatherings in public places and mitigate the spread of Covid-19.
The ban prohibits the drinking and serving of liquor in public places. Hotels, resorts and other accommodation establishments can serve alcoholic drinks but only to in-house guests and under the guidelines set by the tourism and trade departments, the order said.
Non-essential gatherings were among the sources of virus transmission early in the year. (JOB with KOC)