With Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas implementing stricter rules following last month’s repeal of the city’s liquor ban, which previously prohibited the sale of liquor and other intoxicating drinks after 2:00 a.m. in the city, nine establishment have recently since been ordered closed for non-compliance.
The executive order repealing the policy required bars and other related businesses to ensure they have security guards on duty, frisking and searching clientele is regularly implemented, closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera surveillance equipment is installed, “unruly customers” are cut off from being served alcoholic beverages, “troublemakers” are blacklisted, among other requirements.
Once issued a closure notice, businesses are given 72 hours to explain why they should not be closed.
During earlier inspections at the end of last month, 10 businesses in the Mandurriao district’s Barangay San Rafael were also found in violation of the executive order.
All 10 were cited for a lack of CCTV surveillance; however, most were also without a proper business permit, while others had no security guard on duty.
Four businesses in particular—Chef Rich Grill & Resto, BAE-Breakfast And Eggs, Code White Cafe, and Bay Point—were cited on all three violations.
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 current 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?”/WDJ