ILOILO CITY — The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Western Visayas on Friday welcomed the city government’s new order imposing a 2 a.m. closing time on all establishments dispensing alcoholic beverages.
Mayor Jose Espinosa III issued Executive Order (EO) No. 146 on Thursday due to numerous reports of the “proliferation of incidents” due to intoxication or under the influence of liquor, as reported by the Iloilo City Police and the media. According to the order, the “unregulated dispensation” of intoxicating drinks results “in the improper and harmful conduct and behavior of consumers.
“It is a welcome move because the underlying principle in the tourism sector is we are pushing for a peaceful and orderly destination,” said DOT-6 regional director Helen Catalbas in an interview.
“Time and again, we have received some news about violence, criminalities and even immoralities committed within the area,” she added.
Catalbas said if these incidents continue to increase, the image of Iloilo City as a “peaceful and orderly” destination would be affected.
“We have always been consistent in saying that peace and order is a major tourist attraction of Iloilo City. I am really supportive of the city government of Iloilo because our tourists, whether domestic or foreign, are usually eating dinner and drinking alcoholic drinks but only until 10 p.m.,” she said.
EO 146 “directing the mandatory closure at two o’clock in the morning” covers bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
Violators of the ordinance will face administrative sanctions, which include but are not limited to the cancellation of business permit and/or closure of the business establishment, or non-renewal of business permit for the subsequent year.
The EO, however, exempts hotels/motels; resorts accredited by the DOT; restaurants provided they do not sell, serve or dispense liquor or allow customers to drink within their premises from 2 a.m. until 8 a.m. on the same day; and convenience stores operating on a 24-hour basis, provided they sell but do not serve or allow its customers to drink within its premises from 2 a.m. until 8 a.m. on the same day.
The order took effect upon its issuance. (Cindy Ferrer/PNA)
