It’s final: Business establishments in Iloilo City are allowed to dispense alcoholic drinks beyond 2 a.m.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas on Aug. 5 issued an executive order (EO) revoking EO 146 that imposes the 2 a.m. ban on the sale of liquors.
According to Treñas, he was assured by business operators to follow his conditions to maintain peace and order in the city.
The operators must not sell or serve liquors to minors. They are also required to have functioning security cameras and security guards, among others.
“We will observe a one-strike policy. Palibuton ko ang aton permits and licensing division personnel.Pagbaton ko report sang violation, ipasira ko dayun,” Treñas said.
“The police assured me they could handle the situation. We will conduct checkpoints if necessary,” he added.
The mayor, however, underscored that the revocation of EO 146 is without prejudice if ever President Rodrigo Duterte will issue an order imposing a midnight liquor ban.
EO 146 was issued by former mayor Jose Espinosa III in December 2017.
Treñas met with members of the Smallville-Boardwalk Business Association, Inc. (SBBAI) on July 26.
Jim Velez, SBBAI president, said they came up with a 10-item guidelines.
“Ang pinakagrabe is the one-strike policy. Either ma-close ka or ang business permit mo will be revoked or not renewed,” he stressed.
Velez admitted that the 2 a.m. liquor ban affected their businesses.
“We are very very thankful to the mayor, kinonsider niya ang plight ng mga bar owners na talagang we are losing,” he said.
Treñas said the city government would give additional patrol cars and police auxiliaries to the Iloilo City Police Office./IMT
