Photo by Aksyon Radyo – Iloilo

Nine business establishments in Iloilo City were shut down for not complying with the conditions imposed by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.

These establishments are Floyd’s Famous BBQ, Paraiso After 5 Disco Cafe and Restaurant Bar, HQ Beercade, Sinukad GP Seafood Restaurant, Bull and Barrel Gastro Pub, Juan’s Martha Foods Corporation, Camp Jefferson Disco Pub, Project Ex Sports Bar and Resto Bar, and Angel A Resto.

Treñas issued the closure order yesterday, Sept. 3.

“Further, you are hereby directed to execute an Affidavit of Undertaking to comply with the deficiency on General Bar Guidelines (Sec. 3 of Executive Order No. 46-2019),” part of the order read.

EO No. 46 revoked the policy that bans bars and similar establishments in the metropolis from dispensing liquors beyond 2 a.m.

But Treñas, who signed the order early last month, came up with guidelines to maintain peace and order in the city amid prolonged drinking sprees.

“One-stike policy kita. Pagbaton ko report sang violation, ipasira ko dayun,” he said.

The nine establishments have no security guards/bouncers, allowed customers to smoke, served liquors to minors, and failed to install security cameras.

The closure of the establishments will last for a period of six days from receipt of the order.

After the closure period, the erring operators must secure a clearance/permit from Business Processing and Licensing Office (BPLO) for the for the resumption of their operations.

“Similar Commission/Violation under the same EO 46 shall be severely sanctioned or would result to the revocation of business permit,” the order stated.

The city government issued notices of closure/revocation of permit on Friday last week, Aug. 30, to the nine establishments. It gave them 72 hours to explain why they should not be penalized.

Their replies were evaluated by the composite team and found to be “bereft of merit.”

The team, which is composed of BPLO head Norman F. Tabud, Task Force on Moral Values and Formation Chairman Nestor O. Canong, Public Safety and Transportation Management Office head Jeck Conlu, City Legal Officer Atty. Edgardo J. Gil, and Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST) Executive Director Iñigo D. Garingalao, recommended the closure of the nine establishments. IMT