After violating liquor ban: Biz permits of 8 stores may be revoked

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia is considering the revocation of business permits for eight establishments that were issued notices for serving alcoholic beverages during the liquor ban.

In line with the celebration of Sinulog 2025, Garcia issued an Executive Order imposing a liquor ban until 10 p.m. on the day of the grand celebration. However, it was discovered that several business establishments were caught serving alcohol just before the cutoff time.

This violation was identified following inspections conducted by the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) across the city. As a result, the establishments in question were given 72 hours to submit an explanation.

“Once they explain, then we will look at their explanation, but my direction is, we will revoke their business permits,” said Garcia.

It was reported that regulations on entertainment and liquor, as well as a ban on street parties, were outlined in the Executive Order issued by Garcia to regulate business establishments during the highly anticipated Sinulog 2025 celebration. The order was titled “An Order Regulating Business Establishments During the Sinulog Festival 2025.”

The EO includes provisions for an entertainment ban, which prohibits activities such as concerts, shows, performances, gigs, events, and activities involving loudspeakers and other sound devices.

These activities were strictly prohibited along the Solemn Procession Route and the Sinulog Parade Route between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on January 18 (Saturday) and between 12:01 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on January 19 (Sunday), the day of the grand celebration.

However, the EO clarifies that establishments within the procession and parade routes may “host, organize, or conduct” any of the prohibited activities beyond the restricted times, provided they secure a special permit from the BPLO.

Meanwhile, in a separate interview on Monday, Joel Garganera, head of the Sinulog security cluster, assessed that the public was generally cooperative during the grand celebration.

He noted that, as early as the afternoon, no rowdy individuals were in sight. However, he admitted that around 8 p.m., as more people began heading home, the crowd gradually loosened up.

Garganera also highlighted that despite the large influx of people, the situation remained under control and did not escalate to a stampede, even inside the bars.

Overall, he said they monitored 28 areas, including fiestas in Pasil, Ermita, and Sawang, among others. Authorities also inspected around 25 bars in areas considered as hotspots, such as Panagdait, F. Cabahug, Salinas Drive, and Mango Avenue.

“But believe me, walay untoward incident nga nahitabo,” said Garganera.

He further mentioned that establishments that hosted parties had complied with the necessary permits, even for those beyond the 300-meter radius.

Garganera attributed the success of the celebration to their proactive efforts, as they conducted rounds in establishments five days before the event to remind them of the EO regulations.

Regarding the eight establishments caught violating the liquor ban, Garganera said they initially argued that customers had ordered drinks earlier but had not fully consumed them. He stated that they would need to provide a written explanation.

However, Garganera emphasized that Mayor Garcia remains firm on the revocation of their business permits if their explanations fail to satisfy the authorities.  (CEBU NEWS)