Baguio gov’t presses stricter implementation of liquor ban

BAGUIO CITY – The local government here warned erring establishments which continue to defy the liquor ban in the city that administrative sanctions will be imposed against the owners if they continue to sell alcohol to patrons, in violation of a resolution imposing the ban during the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan said violators face suspension or outright revocation of the business permit issued them, depending on the gravity of the offense committed.

Olowan said the resolution, authored by all the members of the city legislative body, enjoined all business establishments in the different parts of the city not to sell liquor during the quarantine period as one of the precautionary measures in ensuring the compliance of the residents with the strict policy on social distancing.

He said drinking alcohol reportedly lowers a person’s resistance and makes him or her more susceptible and vulnerable to pneumonia and respiratory illnesses.

Olowan said they have received numerous reports that there were residents who have been having drinking sprees inside their homes even during the ECQ.

The imposition of the temporary liquor ban in the city was an initiative of the city government to strengthen the ongoing efforts to compel people to stay at home and observe the policy on social distancing to prevent the possible spread of the deadly virus in the city which recorded 14 confirmed COVID cases with one death.

The city’s liquor ban will disallow sales of alcoholic drinks by the establishments similar to what had been done in the different local governments in Luzon.

Personnel of the City Permits and Licensing Division of the City Mayor’s Office continue to monitor the operation of different business establishments in the city, especially those selling liquor, so that the dispensing of liquor will be prevented and ensure strict compliance of people to the policy on staying at home and social distancing.