Police cracks down on establishments selling liquor in Cebu City
CEBU CITY—Police here issued a stern warning against establishments serving alcoholic drinks to their customers.
Cebu City Police Office Chief Col. Josefino Ligan said closure orders may be enforced, and charges will be filed against owners of erring establishments.
Ligan on Friday night led an inspection of establishments that resulted in the arrest of at least 36 individuals who were caught drinking in a resto bar and in an outdoor bar in Barangays Kasambagan and Busay.
Some of the customers in the resto bar were also caught violating health protocols such as not observing physical distancing and not wearing face masks.
Among the 27 individuals apprehended in the resto bar were two Japanese, two Nigerians, two British, an American and an Australian nationals.
The two owners of the resto bar were also brought to the police station.
From Kasambagan, police then raided an outdoor bar in Busay where nine persons were caught drinking alcohol.
Ligan said charges for violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code will be filed against the apprehended persons.
“They also violated an Executive Order that’s prohibits operation of bars, clubhouses offering alcoholic drinks,” said Ligan.
While the liquor ban in the city has been lifted, drinking in public places remains prohibited as a measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Ligan said restaurants are allowed to serve alcoholic drinks but only two bottles per costumer.
“We will be recommending for the closure of these establishments because this is a blatant violation,” said Ligan.
City Mayor Edgar Labella has instructed the City Legal Office to look into the matter.