2 bars closed for lack of permits, fire exits

City Hall personnel yesterday padlocked two bars along Sanciangko Street for non-payment of taxes and for being fire hazards because these establishments do not have fire exits.

“Kon mahitabo nga dunay sunog nga magsugod dapit sa entrance, mahurot og ka-inasal ang mga customers nga tua sa sulod,” Nanette Sungahid, head of the City Hall tax mapping team, said.

Sungahid said her team inspected Cobra Bikini Bar and Scorpion Red Stallion Bar last June 15 and found out that said establishments do not have business permits, meaning that they were operating without paying taxes to the city.

While the joint team was inspecting the premises, they also found out that the establishments do not have fire exits, which is in violation of the Fire Code of the Philippines.

Although the owner of the bars were not identified in the closure order issued by Mayor Tomas Osmeña, a City Hall inspector said the two establishments are owned by one person only.

The Scorpion Red Stallion bar is located at the entrance where the customers could order beer, but those who wish to see beautiful women dancing in “two piece” could gain access to the air-conditioned Cobra Bar.

Sungahid said the establishments would only be allowed to resume business once fire exits are put up and business permits are secured.

But since the City Hall already padlocked its entrance, its owner or caretakers are required to first secure clearance from the city once they start renovating the structure to comply with the law. — Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV