The provincial government of La Union is enforcing a ban on sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages to minors as well as consumption in public and private settings with exemption.

The provincial council approved Provincial Ordinance No. 498-2025 titled “An Ordinance to Protect Minors and the Public from Alcohol-Related Harms by Regulating Access, Marketing, and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages Providing Penalties, Intervention Measures, and Appropriations.”

The ordinance posted on Tuesday states it aims to "safeguard minors from the physical, mental, and social harms associated with alcohol consumption; ensure that parents, guardians, and establishments exercise their duty to prevent access to alcohol by minors; and regulate the sale, marketing, and distribution of alcoholic beverages in order to minimize exposure of both minors and the public to alcohol-related harms."

It also aims to promote community well-being, public safety, and a culture of responsible behavior through education, awareness, and enforcement measures.

Under the ordinance, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages to minors is prohibited as well as the purchase of alcoholic beverages by minors, including attempted, frustrated, and consummated purposes.

"Consumption by minors in public or private settings, except for instances expressly allowed under cultural traditions or religious rites, is also not allowed," the ordinance stated.

Facilitating minor's access to alcoholic beverages (Enabling) is also covered by the prohibition of the ordinance as well as the marketing and sales near child zone, falsification of age or identity, and failure to present identification card upon request before the sale, the La Union Provincial Information Office (PIO) said.

The ordinance also provides penalty for violators with fines amounting to P5,000 and subjected to increased inspection and monitoring by local authorities or up to the recommendation by the enforcing agency for possible suspension or revocation of permit or license for habitual establishment violators.

Adults who facilitate or permit minors' access to alcohol will also face fine amounting to P5,000, and be required to undergo counseling and/or parenting seminars, or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both.

"For establishments failing to require identification verification or post required signage will be subjected to P5,000 fine per instance of non-compliance," the La Union PIO stated.

Minors who will falsify their age or identity shall not be penalized with fines or imprisonment, but subjected to the intervention and diversion measures.

"Stern written warning by the Barangay Councils for Protection of Children with recorded guidance. A copy of the warning shall be furnished to the parent or legal guardian for first offense. Second Offense: Referral to the Municipal or City Social Welfare and Development Office for counseling. Parents or legal guardians shall also attend an orientation on responsible parenting. Third and Subsequent Offenses: Minor and parent/ guardian shall undergo mandatory counseling and participate in the Parent Effectiveness Service. If warranted after assessment, referral for rehab(ilitation) may be made to the La Union Treatment and Rehabilitation Center or ITRMC through the Provincial Health Office," as stated in the ordinance.

It is stated in the ordinance that alcohol misuse contributes to family breakdowns, school and workplace issues, financial instability, and even unemployment.

At the same time, it is a factor in community-level problems such as crime, interpersonal violence, and public disorder. (PNA)