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MANILA, Philippines - The selling and serving of liquor and other alcoholic drinks between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. are now prohibited in Taguig City in accordance with a newly passed ordinance.

The city council passed Ordinance No. 36 – dubbed “Regulating the Selling and Serving of Liquor and Alcoholic Beverages in Licensed Establishments, Premises and for Other Purposes” – to ensure that the city will remain as a safe and fun destination particularly for the youth.

The new city law provides that manufacturers, dealers, and retailers are now prohibited to sell and deliver “intoxicating potions” between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. of the next day, except when given a special permit that extends allowable trade hours to 2 a.m.

Officials said that the ordinance is patterned after regulations being implemented by major cities around the world like San Francisco, Vancouver, and Singapore.

Individuals who are caught drinking in public places outside of the allowable hours will be penalized according to the number of offense. For first offenders, a fine not less than P500 but not more than P1,000 plus one-day community service will be slapped. Second offense constitutes a fine not less than P1,000 but not more than P2,000 plus a three-day community service. Offenders for the third time will be fined not less than P3,000 but not more than P5,000 plus a week of community service.

Aside from setting allowable operating hours, the ordinance also prohibits business establishments from selling and serving alcoholic beverages within the 100-meter radius from academic institutions and churches. It also upholds earlier prohibitions against drinking of liquors in any public place.

But Vice Mayor George Elias said that passing the ordinance does not mean they are driving businesses away from the city.

“In fact, we are trying to live up to our name as the most business-friendly city by ensuring a safe environment not only for investors but the public as well,” he said.

Taguig Mayor Freddie R. Tinga upheld the City Council’s move.

He clarified that the ordinance does not seek to intervene on business operations, but to curb alcohol-related crimes by regulating the sale and serving of liquors particularly during the unholy hours.

In the case of restaurants, café, bars, nightclubs and similar enterprise, the 2 a.m. deadline applies to the customers’ “last call to order.” These establishments should wrap up the day’s operations by 2:30 a.m. and must remain closed until 6 a.m., according to the law.

Councilor Erwin Manalili, committee chair for peace and order, said the ordinance primarily seeks to address the alarming incidence of alcohol-related crimes and to reinforce the local government’s drive against public drunkenness.

“For many years, we have turned a blind eye to the detrimental effects of drunkenness and alcoholism to our society. Undeniably, these liquors have greatly contributed to the increase of criminality and juvenile delinquency not only here in Taguig, but also in the country,” Manalili said. - GMANews.TV