By Jhon Aldrin Casinas A temporary liquor ban has been imposed in Marikina City during the period of the enhanced community quarantine. Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro approved on Wednesday Ordinance No. 40 Series of 2020 which bans the sale of liquor and regulate its consumption in the country’s shoe capital during the quarantine period. Under the ordinance, retail stores, supermarkets, grocery stores, and other similar establishments are prohibited to sell, distribute and serve any alcoholic drinks and intoxicating beverages. “Consumption or drinking of alcohol, wine, beer, liquor and other intoxicating beverages in public places in the city of Marikina shall also be prohibited during the period of the enhanced community quarantine,” the measure stated. Violators of the ordinance will face a penalty of P5,000 or imprisonment of three months. The city government said the ban on sale of liquor and the regulation of its consumption seeks to promote health to its residents. The measure also aims to enforce social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the community. According to the ordinance, the ban immediately took effect after it was signed and will remain in force during the period of the quarantine. In its latest update, there were 53 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Marikina with six recoveries, the city government disclosed. The local government has also recorded 13 deaths, 18 persons under investigation (PUs) and 77 persons under monitoring (PUM) for the disease.