CEBU CITY—Despite repeated reminders by authorities, a night bar here was caught holding a disco in what was described as a glaring violation of health protocols meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Operatives of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) on Friday rushed to Clubholic in Barangay Camputhaw after receiving a report that a disco was happening in the establishment.

Aside from holding a disco, the establishment was also found to be overcrowded after it accepted costumers more than the allowed maximum capacity.

“The disco was stopped immediately when the police arrived and the excess costumers were ordered to leave,” said Lt. Col. Wilbert Parilla, deputy director for operations of CCPO

City Mayor Edgardo Labella on May 6 ordered the lifting of the liquor ban, paving the way for the resumption of some bars and other establishments but subject to the condition that health protocols must be complied.

“They don’t have a special permit but establishments were given a one-week grace period to process their applications. The grace period was given because of the volume of applications and the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) could not immediately accommodate them,” said Parilla.

Parilla said the CCPO will be submitting its report to BPLO and EOC the two offices will be the ones to decide on what actions to take against the establishment.

“The violation could be a ground for closure. The owner or the manager will have to explain it to BPLO and EOC,” said Parilla.

Parilla said Friday’s operation was purely administrative and no one was apprehended when police stormed the bar.

“We are warning other establishment to just follow the protocols and guidelines so we won’t go back to the imposition of a liquor ban. It is unfair on the part of other establishments that are strictly observing health protocols,” said Parilla.