6 restobars remain open pending outcome of protocol violation probe

THE six restobars in Cebu City that allegedly violated safety and health protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will not be placed under preventive suspension.

Jared Limquiaco, head of the Business Permit and Licensing Office, said the six establishments will remain open pending the outcome of the investigation, adding that his office is waiting for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to issue a resolution on the matter.

In the meantime, he said they’ve deployed personnel to closely monitor the six restobars.

According to Limquiaco, they’ve received reports that more than 10 establishments have violated safety and health protocols since the City Government lifted the ban on the serving of liquor.

“There’s no preventive suspension. While the resolution of the issue is pending, the establishments can still operate. However, they will be closely monitored for violations,” he said in Cebuano.

City Councilor Joel Garganera, deputy chief implementer of the EOC, said they are looking into the allegations against the six establishments. If found guilty of violating safety and health protocols, he said they will recommend to Mayor Edgardo Labella the cancellation of the establishments’ special permit to serve liquor.

He said if they don’t strictly enforce the health protocol, there’s a chance coronavirus disease 2019 cases will go up again. If that happens, the City will be forced to restrict movement, which will result in the closure of business establishments. (PAC / PJB)