Vol. XXII, No. 123 [ BusinessWorld Online ]
Friday, January 23, 2009 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
THE TAGUIG City government has reinstated on Jan. 15 the curfew on the sale and trade of liquor and alcoholic drinks and on the operation of night spots.
The local government ordered a two-month suspension of the curfew, imposed under Ordinance 36, in light of the Christmas season.
The ordinance, which was approved by the city government last July 7, is aimed at regulating the sale of liquor and alcoholic beverages as well as the operation of establishments engaged in the sale of such drinks.
Taguig has been an alternative entertainment center next to neighboring Makati City.
With the curfew’s reinstatement, restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs and similar business are allowed to serve orders for alcoholic drinks until 2 a.m.
Establishments serving alcoholic beverages must be closed by 2:30 a.m. The curfew is lifted by 6 a.m.
Other manufacturers and dealers of alcoholic drinks without the permit to trade until 2:30 a.m. are allowed to sell only until 10 p.m.
In a statement, Taguig Mayor Sigfrido R. Tinga said that the ordinance will be strictly implemented to curb alcohol-related crimes in the wee hours of the morning.
Jeffe Minglana, head of the city’s business processing and licensing office, said penalties await violators of the ordinance.
"Pending the appropriate investigation, the city mayor may issue a temporary closure order. Such closure shall become permanent upon a positive finding of the violation," the ordinance’s penalty clause read.
Ella R. Candidato, purchasing administrative head of the Embassy Club, a well-known high-end night spot in the city, said the curfew would not have a significant impact on their operations.
"There is not much of a difference in terms of sales because the curfew was only extended by one hour during the holiday season. The effect is very minimal," she said in an interview yesterday.
Anti-illegal drugs drive
Meanwhile, Mr. Tinga said business establishments serving alcohol must also contribute to the city’s thrust against illegal drugs and crimes amid reports that bars, restaurants and nightclubs are areas of narcotics trade.
"The city government has done its part in trying to rid our city of illegal drugs through the safety and security measures we have imposed.
"We call on our partners from the private sector to do their share and be responsible in cleaning up their backyards," Mr. Tinga was quoted as saying in a statement.
"The city council is drafting an ordinance on the matter," Mr. Minglana said in a text message. — Louella D. Desiderio
