City Strengthens Liquor Ban

Stores serving alcoholic drinks in the city need to think twice in continuing to sell these especially if the establishment is located within 100 meters or inside school premises.

The Cebu City Liquor Licensing Commission (CCLLC) head Msgr. Achilles Dakay advises either to discontinue serving liquors or find another area far from the school to operate their business for public safety and general public interest.

Currently, the liquor licensing board is calling all store owners found to be selling such drinks after its decision to strongly regulate such business operations near schools.

Section 12 of Cebu City Ordinance 1413 or the Liquor Licensing Ordinance states no liquor license shall be issued to any person, partnership, firm or corporation whose place of business is within the residential zone of urban areas and within 100 meters from the perimeter or property boundary line of any school or hospital.

Random inspections are still being conducted by the City Government around town. If there are violations, recommendation for closure will be issued. City Attorney Mary Ann Suson said that the city does not need to send any memorandums to them since it is already a local ordinance.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said that the city still and will strongly reinforce the anti-liquor ordinance and anti-noise ordinances of Cebu City. He has stopped signing mayor’s special permits since last year.

Suson said that the permit to sell liquors, including those who paid additional fees with unapproved liquor license, will be revoked anytime if there are grounds found and if there are justifiable complaints.

An inspection team has been tasked to monitor bars and restaurants for violations on both the anti-noise and anti-liquor ordinances.

Signages saying those below 21 years old should not be served liquor are available at the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO). Its office located at the 3rd floor, Executive Building in Cebu City Hall. (Gessa Gunhuran, PIO Staff)