No child allowed in La Trinidad liquor biz spots

By Susan Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Child protection is a growing concern in this rapidly urbanizing capital town with the emergence of various business endeavors where children are vulnerable to exposure.

 
Local officials recently crafted an ordinance that would caution minors from engaging in activities that are not appropriate for their age and well-being in certain establishments. 

Sponsored by Councilor Roderick Awingan, Ordinance Number 11-2014 mandates posting of prescribed notices of information on child protection in particular establishments such as hotels, motels, lodging houses, bars and restaurants serving alcoholic beverages, hardwares/construction supplies and general merchandise, amusement centers and computer shops, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office betting outlets, and drugstores and pharmacies.   

The local government set rules that would send strong message to concerned establishments on their social and moral responsibility to keep minors from engaging in activities that are not appropriate for their age and well-being. 

Local officials said it is their duty to protect minors against unregulated operation of businesses which erode their morals and demean them.  

Example of messages or information to be posted in hotels, motels and the together with the ordinance is, ‘This establishment does not accept bookings by minors.’   

For amusement center and computer shops, minors are not allowed to enter from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. 

Persons in charge of business establishments are mandated to post notice of information as prescribed in the measure at the entrance or front desk and in any conspicuous places within the premises of the establishment.  

The licensing office was tasked to inspect compliance prior to approval or renewal of corresponding licenses or permits to operate. 

Owners or managers of establishments who violate the law will be penalized.  

First offense is a fine of P500.00, second offense is fine of P1,000 while third is a fine of P2,500 and business permit could be revoked.