Measure penalizing vendors of alcoholic liquor under study - Tabac

City Councilor Marlo Tabac said his committee on barangay affairs is reviewing applicable laws to determine sanctions, which may be imposed on establishments selling and allowing drinking alcohol in their premises past regulated hours.

His reaction came amid deliberations on the proposal of Councilor Roger Abaday, seeking to regulate the sale and manufacture of improvised mufflers, which have been linked to drag racing incidents and late-night nuisance in several barangays.

Tabac said discussions at the committee level revealed that while bars usually observe the 12-midnight last order, some customers simply transfer to nearby convenience stores to continue drinking.

“After sa last order sa bar, mangadto sila sa convenience stores. Didto sila magpadayon og inom,” Tabac pointed out.

(To continue drinking, they go to the nearest convenience stores after the last call at the bar, Tabac pointed out.)

He added that some stores not only sell alcoholic beverages but also allow customers to drink within or just outside their premises.

Councilors noted that excessive drinking has been identified as a major factor in illegal drag racing, particularly in areas such as Kauswagan, Gusa, and along the coastal road toward Lapasan.

“Empower the barangays,” Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez remarked, citing that the grassroots community can best identify crime hotspots, and enforce the full force of law.

Abaday explained that under Section 8 of the proposal, barangays would be automatically deputized to help enforce the ordinance.

The measure would also clarify enforcement responsibilities between the Philippine National Police and the city’s Roads and Traffic Administration, Tabac added. (FDC/SP)