Shorter hours for Taguig’s nightspots
Liquor sales, drinking in public now regulated
By Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:32:00 07/09/2008
MANILA, Philippines – After a mauling incident last month at the Embassy bar in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance which requires the city’s night spots to close their doors by 2:30 a.m.
Councilor Erwin Manalili told the Inquirer Tuesday that the legislation was passed on second reading Monday afternoon.
The councilors decided to forgo with the third reading after Ordinance 36 was approved unanimously. It is expected to take effect 15 days after its publication in community bulletins.
“Under this ordinance, such establishments would have to close down by 2:30 a.m. or else face temporary closure and an investigation by the city government,” Manalili said.
First-time violators would be issued a warning while repeat offenders face the penalty of being slapped with a temporary closure order.
The ordinance also regulates the sale and serving of liquor and alcoholic beverages in establishments such as restaurants, bars, clubs, videoke clubs, cafés, hotels and other similar establishments.
According to Manalili, these nightspots should be shut from 2:30 a.m. to 6 a.m.
“The parents in the city are in favor of this ordinance for it would mean the safety of the children,” he said. The same ordinance also requires “sari-sari” (variety) and convenience stores to sell liquor only up to 2 a.m.
It also prohibits manufacturers, dealers and retailers from selling and delivering alcoholic drinks between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., except when given a special permit that extends allowable trade hours to 2 a.m.
Business establishments that violate provisions of the ordinance will be issued a temporary closure order, pending appropriate investigation. The closure order shall become permanent upon confirmation of the violation.
Business Permits and License Office chief Jeffe Minglana said the ordinance was drafted after a brawl inside the Embassy bar involving one of its deejays and a “balikbayan” customer.
“Based on police records, brawls and fights outside bars occur after the closing hours,” he pointed out in a phone interview.
The bar was subsequently ordered shut by Taguig Mayor Sigfrido “Freddie” Tinga on June 26. It has not reopened since.
Minglana said the ordinance would mainly affect establishments operating in Bonifacio Global City, as their peak hours are usually from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m.
There are about 15 such establishments operating inside The Fort. But Manalili said he is confident that the ordinance would be well received.
“The other establishments won’t be affected that much. If their profit goes down, at least we can keep peace and order,” he added.
Vice Mayor George Elias, meanwhile, stressed that they are not trying to drive away businesses from the city.
“In fact, we are trying to live up to our name as the most business-friendly city by ensuring a safe environment not only for investors but the public as well,” he said.
The ordinance also metes out penalties to persons caught drinking in public places. They face a fine of P500 to P1,000 for the first offense and will be asked to render a day of community service.
For the second offense, the violator will be made to pay a fine of P1,000 to P2,000 and render community service. For the third offense, the penalty will be a P3,000 to P5,000 fine and a week of community service.
