Mayor wants strict compliance on bars’ closing time

February 9, 2018 Latest News

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan believes that the strict implementation of City Liquor Code is the key to eliminate if not minimize the incidents of mauling, gang fights, and other violent acts at night along the streets of Baguio City despite the outcry from establishment owners during the Ugnayan press conference last Wednesday (February 4), held at the mayor’s office around 4pm.
The city’s Liquor Code, originally Ordinance No.25, series of 1987, was amended by Ordinance No.1, series of 1990 and further amended by Ordinance No.88, series of 2009. The Code regulates the hours of operation for night establishments, particularly the establishments which offer alcoholic beverages.
From 5pm to 2am for establishments with dancing activities (including cocktail lounge with dancing, beer garden or house with dancing, bar with dancing, and tourist hotel with restaurant, bar or disco, cabaret or dance halls and disco pubs) and 3pm to 12 midnight for establishments without dancing activities or the ordinary hang-out places, including cafes and internet shops which offer beer and liquors.
“Early hours of the morning may nag-aaway under the influence of liquor saan sila galing? Are we not concerned?” Domogan said.
The mayor cited a mauling incident that happened in the wee hours of September 5, 2017 when two men ended up being hurt because of an alleged prank-gone-wrong episode. The men involved were under the influence of liquor.
According to the mayor, records from Baguio City Police Office showed that series of these incidents happen when people are drunk.
Meanwhile, the Baguio Association of Bars and Entertainers (BABEs) opposes the said ordinance. Owners have expressed their dismay over the ordinance as their livelihoods are affected.
The group said the ordinance is unreasonable as compared to other highly urbanized cities and tourist destinations in the country.
The city government is yet to come up with a decision regarding the plea of BABEs to amend the 20-year old ordinance.
While this law is strictly implemented, Domogan and the city police request for cooperation and understanding from the people of Baguio. RC Bjon C. Catacutan, UB Intern