THE Cebu City Government issued show cause orders to several bars over the weekend for failing to comply with conditions that allow them to serve liquor.
The Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) found out that six establishments served liquor without a special permit, while one bar failed to implement the social distancing policy.
City Councilor Joel Garganera, deputy chief implementer of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), said the BPLO and the Philippine National Police are already investigating the bar that failed to implement the social distancing policy.
Garganera reminded the public that customers will also be held liable along with the establishment owner.
The EOC and SunStar Cebu received a photo showing customers of a certain bar not wearing face masks and failing to practice social distancing.
“But just the same, its very clear nag-violate gyud kay wala koy nakita nga nag-face mask (they violated because I didn’t see anyone wearing face mask), unya (and) people are hopping from one area to the other not mindful sa (of) social distancing,” Garganera said.
BPLO head Jared Limquiaco also said six establishments were discovered serving liquor despite lacking requirements.
Under the executive order (EO) issued by Mayor Edgardo Labella last May, to acquire the special permit, an establishment has to send representatives to undergo Health Infection and Prevention Control Officer training to be conducted by the EOC.
After the training, the EOC, led by the BPLO team, will inspect the establishment to determine its maximum capacity. The allowed capacity will be posted in front of the establishment.
Under EO 130, establishments can only accommodate up to 50 percent of their maximum capacity of seated customers at any given time, regardless of the floor area.
If an establishment will hold a live entertainment, it also needs clearance from the EOC.
Limquiaco said the special permit to serve liquor is on top of the regular license to serve and sell liquor establishments need to have.
He said the establishments in question can still operate while the investigation is ongoing, but they will be closely monitored.
He said proper actions will be taken against erring establishments if found guilty. (JJL)