THE Cebu City Council has approved revisions to its liquor ordinance, instituting stricter regulations on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
City Ordinance (CO) 2775, approved on its third and final reading on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, amends CO 1413, the 1991 ordinance governing liquor businesses and alcoholic beverage sales in Cebu City.
The newly approved ordinance, authored by Councilor Philip Zafra, specifically amends Section 9(b). This section now requires business establishments selling liquor and intoxicating substances to prominently display a notice printed in large, bold letters: “Warning: Selling or serving of liquor, alcoholic or intoxicating beverages to all persons below 21 years of age is hereby strictly prohibited by law.”
This replaces the previous rule, which stated: “Only persons 21 years of age or above are allowed to purchase liquor. Proof of age may be required. Selling liquor is from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.”
The penalty structure has also been significantly increased. From the previous range of fines between P1,000 and P5,000 and imprisonment of up to six months, the new ordinance sets fines at P2,000 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second and P5,000 for the third offense.
“The erring establishment shall be administratively fined for each person below 21 years old found to be consuming liquor on the premises,” a portion of the ordinance reads.
Beyond monetary penalties, the Liquor and Licensing Commission can now recommend to the mayor the suspension or revocation of the business permit and the closure of the offending establishment.
If criminally prosecuted and convicted, violators will also face a fine of P5,000 and imprisonment of six months to one year, at the discretion of the court.
Moreover, the ordinance has expanded the list of prohibited areas where liquor licenses cannot be issued. “Church” has been added to the list alongside existing prohibitions near parks, sports complexes, health clinics, and gambling establishments.
Councilor Zafra pushed for these amendments following alarming reports of underage drinking in Cebu City. During inspections, some individuals as young as 18 openly admitted to consuming alcohol, highlighting a gap in enforcement under the existing ordinance.
At a public hearing on Feb. 27, Cebu City Anti-Indecency Board (Caib) head Lucelle Mercado also noted that many of those found drinking in city bars and clubs were under 21 years old. Mercado expressed hope that the new ordinance would empower Caib to conduct inspections more effectively and “full blast.”
Background
CO 1413, known as the Liquor Licensing Ordinance, has long regulated the sale of alcoholic beverages in the city, including prohibiting liquor sales to minors and restricting liquor establishments near sensitive areas such as schools and churches. However, enforcement challenges and rising concerns about underage drinking prompted calls for stricter rules and higher penalties.
Recent enforcement efforts have included surprise inspections by the Caib and local police, which uncovered establishments serving liquor to minors, resulting in hefty fines and warnings. The City Government has also imposed liquor bans during major events like Sinulog to maintain public order and safety.
The amendments in CO 2775 reflect Cebu City’s intensified campaign to curb underage drinking, protect public health, and ensure responsible business practices among liquor-serving establishments.
With these revisions, Cebu City aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and impose more severe consequences on violators, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its youth and the broader community. / JPS