Serving of liquor, alcoholic beverages now allowed in hotels, restos

Bacolod City has allowed the sale, serving, and consumption of liquor and alcoholic beverages in hotels, restaurants, and other dine-establishments on a gradual basis.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia on late Tuesday night issued Executive Order (EO) 3, series of 2021 giving the green light to ease the partial liquor ban, permitting such allowed establishments to serve alcoholic drinks to their guests between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

“Based on the data collected by the Emergency Operations Center, the city is experiencing the flattening of the curve in COVID-19 infections…that the city may gradually relax some of its stringent prohibitions…gearing towards economic boost,” Leonardia said in the directive.

However, serving and selling of liquors, alcoholic drinks, and intoxicating drinks in beerhouses, nightclubs, karaoke bars/clubs, or any establishment whose business is to primarily serve/sell liquors or alcoholic drinks is prohibited in observance of the health protocols against coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19.

In Bacolod, the partial liquor ban, as provided in EO 2, series of 2021 and dated January 31, remains in full force and effect. This means the sale of liquor, wine, beer, or any alcoholic or intoxicating beverages are still allowed only from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and consumption of such should only be done within private residences.

EO 3 added that considering the continuing threat of COVID-19, restaurants and other similar establishments shall enforce the strict observance of minimum health protocols by all employees and customers, including the use of BacTrac (contract tracing card), wearing of face masks and face shields, hand hygiene, physical distancing and venue capacity in accordance with the National Inter-Agency Task Force guidelines. (With a report from PNA)/WDJ