Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte has lifted the 24-hour liquor ban through the issuance of Executive Order (E.O) No. 50 on Monday. The 24-hour liquor ban has been in effect since April to prevent the exposure of individuals to the coronavirus (Covid-19).
The mayor, however, reminded Dabawenyos of the City Ordinance prohibiting the selling, serving, and drinking alcoholic and other intoxicating drinks from 1 a.m to 8 a.m.
Ordinance 004-13 series of 2013 or the Liquor Ban Ordinance of Davao City, wherein consuming of liquor and any alcoholic or intoxicating drinks in public shall be prohibited from 1:00 am to 8:00 am.
Also, Dabawenyos are reminded that under Section 4 of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Memorandum Circular No. 20-44, beer houses and similar establishments whose primary business is serving of alcoholic drink such as nightclubs, bars, beer gardens, etc. shall not be allowed to operate under any form of community quarantine.
The serving of alcoholic beverages is permitted in restaurants and fast food businesses but will only be allowed a maximum of two (2) individual servings. This is according to Section 3 of the DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-39 Series of 2020.
Mayor Sara clarified that this rule shall also apply to ‘videoke’ bars and ‘karinderyas’ or food business serving alcoholic drinks.
“Dili sila (videoke) pwede molabaw sa restaurants and fast food, because there is a regulation sa serving. Otherwise, if you are allowed to serve unlimited drinks sa imohang lugar, madefeat ang purpose kung ngano gi-regulate sa DTI ang sa restaurant and fast food (They must not exceed the allowable serving in restaurants and fast food, because there is a regulation in the serving. Otherwise, if you are allowed to serve unlimited drinks in your establishment, DTI’s purpose to regulate the serving in restaurants and fast food will be defeated),” she said.
The Vices Regulation Unit (VRU), Davao City Police Office (DCPO), and barangay functionaries will conduct regular inspections and monitoring in these establishments.
Mayor Sara also reminded Dabawenyos to drink moderately. She also suggested that they drink in their houses and not to invite other people.
“Kung ikaw moinom, it is best na ang kainuman nimo is kauban nimo sa balay or online. But never invite other people dinha sa sulod sa inyong balay karong panahon sa pandemya (If you drink, it is best to drink with your companion in the house or online. But never invite other people inside your house during this time of the pandemic),” she said. CIO
