DAGUPAN CITY – The city government has lifted the ban on the selling and consumption of alcoholic beverages in commercial establishments such as restaurants and bars.
"In any crisis (this pandemic), the response of the government should always be calibrated. And this is a calibrated response to allow them to do business. But it doesn’t mean that this is indefinite. If at some point in time, we again need to prohibit, then we will adjust again,” Mayor Marc Brian Lim said in an interview on Thursday.
Lim said they took into account several considerations before deciding to allow these businessmen to earn better.
"In the last few weeks, through the recommendation of the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board), we allowed buses in a limited capacity and in a limited timeframe, and subject to rules and regulations to travel. We recognize the fact that part of the economic recovery is the mobility of people. In the same manner, when the restaurant group lobbied for them to be able to serve liquor when in fact other municipalities are doing so, we said why should we deprive them of the economic opportunity? The agreement is very clear. It is with certain conditions and with public health protocols to be observed strictly," he said.
Lim issued Executive Order (EO) 18 on Wednesday, providing for the provisional lifting of the ban on serving and consumption of liquor in restaurants and similar establishments here.
Under the EO, diners, restaurants, hotels, and similar businesses serving liquor must strictly follow the mandatory health and safety protocols such as 50-percent capacity, floor plan to ensure social distancing, and temperature check, among others.
Operation of KTV rooms and similarly enclosed spaces is restricted as well as sharing of glasses and receptacles and utensils in the consumption of alcoholic beverages and holding of promotional activities to attract a gathering of a large crowd, the EO said.
Lim said drinking in public or private places but in open and public view is still prohibited.
He added the curfew hour is not extended thus all establishments should close at 10 p.m. (PNA)
