Time limit for bars, nightspots pushed

By Paul Rillorta

BAGUIO CITY – A resolution of Councilor Philian Louise Weygan-Allan has been approved by the city council last week to force nightclubs and bars to comply with city ordinances.

            City ordinance No. 88 series of 2009 which amended the liquor ordinance of the city limited operation of establishments and amusement centers in the city.

            To strengthen its implementation, Weygan-Allan filed a resolution requesting the city’s permits and licensing division to issue notices and warnings to every establishment to comply said ordinance.

            Said notices and warnings will also be furnished to the city council for monitoring.

            Allan said, earlier reports which have reached her office reveal that some KTV bars and nightclubs are operating 24 hours which in violation of the city ordinance.

            The list also shows other establishments operating without business permits, she said.

            City Ordinance 88, s2009 provides night establishments can operate until 2 am only.

            These establishments include night clubs and day clubs, cocktail lounges, beer gardens and houses, bars, duly-accredited tourist-oriented hotel with restaurant, bar or disco, cabaret, dance hall and disco pubs.

            Establishments without dancing will operate until 12 midnight only.

            Included are ordinary beer gardens, cocktail lounges, bars, folk house, dens, restaurants, coffee shops, internet cafes.

            Retail liquor dealers and liquor stores are allowed to operate till 9 pm.

            Owners, operators, proprietors, managers or persons in charge of any establishment violating said ordinance will be meted with a P2,000 fine for the first offense, P4,000 for the second offense with closure of establishment and revocation of business permit and P5,000 for the third and subsequent offenses with permanent closure of establishment with imprisonment.

            Allan said the measure is for the general welfare of the city and its constituents.