Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Friday issued Executive Order 31, allowing the sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
But while Quezon City has allowed the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages, the City of Paranaque said it has decided to extend the liquor ban until May 31, 2020.
Belmonte said the consumption of any liquor, wine, beer, or any other alcoholic or intoxicating beverage will only be allowed within private residences for the duration of the modified enhanced community quarantine.
Only persons, entities, or establishments with valid Liquor License and Regulatory Board licenses are allowed sell or distribute liquor, wine, beer, or any other alcoholic or intoxicating beverages, the mayor’s order read.
On March 26, Belmonte issued Executive Order No. 24, prohibiting the sale and distribution of such products.
Supermarkets, groceries, liquor stores, and other high volume retailers were directed to limit the daily purchases of alcoholic beverages intended for personal consumption per person, such as a one-liter bottle of beer could be sold in five cases.
For example, variety stores, kiosks, or other low-volume retailers are only allowed to sell a one-liter bottle of beer in 12 bottles.
A retailer must require a purchaser to present a valid government-issued identification card, a valid Business Permits and Licensing Department-issued business permit, or a photocopy for purchases intended for resale or redistribution.
According to Belmonte, any person, entity, or establishment found to be in violation of provisions of her order shall be meted sanctions, including but not limited to closure, suspension, or revocation of its permit or license.
In the case of unlawful consumption, the violator will face possible arrest and the filing of criminal charges under Republic Act 11332 or any other applicable law or ordinance, she said.
Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, meanwhile, said appealed to his constituents to endure a little longer as following his decision to extend the liquor ban.
“To those who love to go bar at sa mga mahilig gumimik, konting tiis muna,” said Olivarez, explaining that anyone caught drinking in the streets of Parañaque City risk being arrested and paying a hefty fine as stated in an ordinance.
Olivarez said the restriction during the extended period of the MECO aims to discourage residents from gathering at bars and streets and stop the spread of coronavirus.
“I believe that intoxicated residents will not practice social distancing during this time of COVID-19 pandemic,” he explained.
He also expressed disappointment over reports that some city residents were not following the government’s rules prohibiting mass gatherings due to the ECQ.
Earlier, major liquor companies have appealed for the government to lift the total ban on alcoholic beverages, citing the negative impact of the industry’s declining market.
Liquor makers have suggested instead a partial ban, adding a time period for the sale can be implemented to help regulate drinking.
Malacañang, however, said it is up to local government units to implement or lift their own liquor bans, as the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force has not specifically decided on the issue.
Olivarez added that the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) headed by lawyer Melanie Malaya in support of the local police and the barangays has been tasked to strictly enforce the order.