The Iloilo City liquor ban, which prohibits the sale of liquor and other intoxicating drinks after 2:00 a.m. in the city, was official repealed by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
“Iloilo City has become a center of business and is continuing to progress with the help of tourists and investors devoting their contributions through their businesses in the city,” the executive order read.
Former Mayor Jose Espinosa III initially issued the order after an incident in December 2017 at nightlife hotspot, the Smallville Complex, located in the city’s Mandurriao district.
According to reports, 24-year-old Rey Myr Tan was walking around the complex with friends around 5:35 a.m. when they were approached by a vehicle carrying three individuals. The victim was reportedly shot three times in the head.
Despite admitting the number of reports surrounding improper conduct due to intoxication has seen a decline, the mayor said he believes such criminality and violence can be minimized through a partnership between the city government and the involved businesses.
“The liquor ban makes it appear that you have a peace and order problem,” Treñas earlier noted. “Why curtail the liberty to enjoy by everyone?”
Meanwhile, the order also requires bars and other related businesses to ensure they have security guards on duty, frisking and searching clientele is regularly implemented, closed-circuit television camera surveillance equipment is installed, “unruly customers” are cut off from being served alcoholic beverages, “troublemakers” are blacklisted, among other requirements.
Additionally, such businesses must also permit police and military entry to conduct official business./WDJ