Quezon City restaurant appeals closure order

A restaurant in Quezon City is appealing a closure order issued by city government regulators after authorities had found that it has been operating without a permit from the city government for the past two years.

The Bureau of Licensing and Permit Office ordered Conspiracy Garden Café closed also for violating noise pollution limits. The restaurant, located along Visayas Avenue, features nightly shows of folk singers.

Pacifico Maghacot said he ordered the closure after tests showed that the restaurant violated noise pollution limits.

"But the closure order was appealed to the office of the city mayor so we are waiting for the order," he said.

Maghacot said the final decision will be handed down by the mayor’s office after it conducts a review of the issues raised against the establishment.

Maghacot said the restaurant, which features nightly shows of popular singers, was the subject of a complaint from resident Nelly Leopando.

After an initial inspection it was also found out that although the firm was paying its taxes and other regulatory fees, it had failed to secure a mayor’s permit in the last two years.

Although the bar has sound proofing, it failed noise pollution tests conducted by the city government.

"The city government will allow the restaurant to operate again if it can comply with the necessary requirements and address the noise problem it generates during its nightly shows," Maghacot said.