By Mae Singuay

The Bacolod City Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) served notices of violation to 20 business establishments lacking necessary permits along Lacson Street.

BPLO head, Stela Rose Rayos, said of the 20 establishments, 17 of them received the first violation notice, while three others were served with the second violation notice.

On August 11, the BPLO, together with the local Department of Social Services and Development office, the City Legal Office and Police Station 2, conducted a random inspection of 24 business establishments on 9th, 17th, 18th, and 27th streets.

Rayos said the purpose of their inspection is to ensure that these establishments, mostly food and videoke bars, have the necessary permits and do not serve liquor to minors.

Establishment owners were advised to visit the BPLO and to process their mayor’s permits within three days upon receipt of a violation notice.

The city government also told them to temporarily close their establishments while they are processing their permits.

The BPLO clarified that none of them have been issued a closure order yet.

Earlier, 11 business establishments along Lizares Street, located near schools, were issued notices by the city government after they were found selling liquors to minors.

City Ordinance No. 450 prohibits the sale of liquor, beer or other intoxicants to persons below 18 years old./MS, WDJ