Mandaue lifts liquor ban

CEBU, Philippines — After almost three months, Mandaue City government has lifted the liquor ban following a decrease in the number of COVID-19 active cases.

Mayor Jonas Cortes, in his Executive Order (EO) No. 14 issued on May 10, said the city government wanted to help local businesses in liquor retail and wholesale recoup their losses due to restrictions set to curb the spread of the virus.

“The city government understands the plight of the businesses and in order to revitalize the economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it is willing to meet concerns of the business sector by lifting the ban but strict health protocols still has to be observed,” he said.

The EO took effect Monday.

“Any person including owners, managers of hotels, restaurants, resorts, convenience stores, sari-sari stores and other establishments may now sell and/or serve intoxicating liquor in the city,” the EO read.

However, business establishments are not allowed to serve liquor during curfew hours.

The city is still imposing curfew hours from 11 in the evening up to 4 in the morning.

 “Drinking in public places (streets, sidewalks, etc) and on those establishments without the corresponding business permits and license to sell and/or license to serve is strictly prohibited,” the EO added.

The EO also said an establishment serving liquor shall only accommodate up to 50 percent of its maximum capacity; must display its permits; must install footbaths, handwashing facilities, and non-contact thermal scanners; and must provide contact tracing forms, among others.

Violations in any of the provisions under this EO may result in the imposition of fines without prejudice to the revocation of the permit/license as well as closure of the business establishments.

The mayor imposed a total liquor ban in the city last February 20, 2021 due to the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in the city.

This month, the city’s positivity rate is less than five percent. — KQD (FREEMAN)