No liquor ban in Mandaue, but…

CEBU, Philippines — Although no liquor ban was imposed in Mandaue City in celebration of the Sinulog, Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) head August Lizer Malate reminded business owners involved in alcohol consumption to “operate with control.”

“For now, wala tay liquor ban nga gipawagas sa atoang mayor (Glenn Bercede) but let’s celebrate the Sinulog nga naa la’y control,” said Malate.

He explained that even though the Sinulog festivities will take place in Cebu City, there will still be events in Mandaue City as part of the celebration.

Hence, Malate added that it is important for event organizers and business establishments selling and serving alcoholic beverages in the city to ensure safety and security, as well as to monitor the well-being of their customers.

He likewise said that organizers and establishments should also regulate their consumers to avoid excessive drinking.

Malate also clarified that only those with a permit to sell and serve alcohol are allowed to sell and serve drinks to their customers on their premises. Convenience stores, shops, and sari-sari stores are not allowed to serve alcohol. They may sell liquor, but drinking on the premises is not permitted.

He said that they have warned convenience and sari-sari store owners that their establishments are not meant to be beer or liquor lounges. They are allowed to sell alcohol, but they should not allow drinking on the premises.

“We have limited that to those nga ang line sa business kay allows the serving and selling,” Malate explained.

But even without a liquor ban, Malate said that, as is regularly done, the police and barangay officials will conduct patrols in commercial zones where people typically gather during events like Sinulog.

“Safety gihapon and we have to also mind our actions isip mga Sugbonanon nga magmatngon sad ta sa atong kalihokan,” said Malate.

Malate also said that it is important for individuals who want to celebrate and business owners who allow their premises to be used for celebrations to work together for a peaceful celebration.

He said that it is important not to overindulge and to avoid putting safety at risk, especially since there are young people who also want to experience Sinulog.

Malate shared that they have informed bars, restobars, KTV bars, and other event venues that the BPLO will no longer strictly regulate them. However, as organizers, they should be aware of their responsibilities in case anything happens.

Malate said that if any untoward incident occurs, the BPLO will come in and conduct their own investigation and assess the liability of the business. Business owners who violate these regulations will face suspension, revocation, or closure of their businesses.

Meanwhile, Malate said that those organizing events outside the scope of their business operations or utilizing areas that are not part of their declared business area should secure a special permit from the city administration’s office.

Malate said that this is to ensure that all concerned personnel, including barangay officials, police, traffic officers, and others, are aware and can help monitor, as well as assist in augmenting security and safety.

However, if they fail to secure the necessary permit and proceed to operate, and if an untoward incident occurs, the BPLO will again step in.

“That’s the risk that they took nga naghimo sila og events nga wala sila nagkuha og special permit,” said Malate.

Malate said that this has happened before in the city, with incidents involving violence, drugs, and a lack of discipline and crowd control. The business establishment involved was notified of the incident, and their office imposed the applicable penalties as a result.  BRP (CEBU NEWS)