City teams find minors in restobars

CEBU, Philippines - Following formal complaints against brawling incidents near restobars, the Cebu City government strengthened the enforcement of local ordinances on anti-noise and anti-liquor.

Last Friday evening, a number of composite inspection team composed of City Treasurer’s Office employees escorted by Cebu City Police Office personnel visited bars around Mango Avenue, the downtown area and IT Park in barangay Apas.

The team checked the necessary permits of the establishments, and apprehended minors who are supposed to be banned from establishments serving liquor.

As specified in the anti-liquor ordinance, those aged below 21 years old are not allowed in establishments serving alcoholic beverages.

Following the controversy involving City Councilor Gerry Carillo allegedly hitting a minor with a rock at Kuerks Restobar along Pelaez St., Mayor Michael Rama ordered for the strengthening of the composite inspection team.

City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete explained that the program has long been running and the inspection conducted was not merely in response to the controversy.

“Ang pag-deploy sa composite (team) is a long standing policy of the mayor implemented and spearheaded mainly by treasurer’s office. Giporma ang team ubos sa revenue generation ug regulatory powers sa LGU. Its implementation is continuing,” said Poblete.

A group of college students went home after being approached by the inspection team in an IT Park bar.

The team asked for their IDs and upon learning that these students are aged below 21, they were asked to write their names as well as those of their parents or guardians so that CTO can call them to explain the ordinance banning below 21 years old from bars serving alcoholic beverages.

The bar’s manager complained saying this was only done because a prominent personality was involved in an incident.

“Tungod ra man gyud ni atong balitaa ba. Last mi nga gianhi og inspection team kay kadto pang 2011. Mga suki raba unta to namo nga grupoha. Pero wala tay mahimo kay mao man kaha na’y balaud,” he told The FREEMAN.

He added that he will drop by City Hall on Monday as he was informed by the inspection team that signages are available at the CTO saying those below 21 years old should not be served liquor.

“Aron sad ma inform among customers bahin sa balaod. Amo nang itaud ang signage dinhi sa bar,” he said.

Poblete explained that the random inspections were never stopped.

“Naa lang usahay laing priority or revenue-related activity ang CTO,” the city administrator said.  (FREEMAN)