City stands firm vs. sale of beer

CEBU, Philippines - But contract with Sinulog sponsors allows sale at Fuente Osmeña Circle.

Mayor Michael Rama had denied the request of beer companies to sell their products at the Fuente Osmeña Circle during the Sinulog.

Rama made his decision during a meeting with representatives of the beer companies yesterday afternoon.

“The mayor said he will not issue a special permit,” city information officer Carlo Dugaduga told reporters yesterday. The companies wanted to get a special permit on the liquor ban, especially at the Fuente Osmeña Circle, but Rama said doing so would violate City Ordinance No. 1413, which prohibits the sale and serving of liquors and other intoxicating products within a 100-meter radius from the churches, hospitals, schools and public plazas.

The ordinance, however, still allows the mayor to grant special permits within the prohibited areas on a case to case basis, but only after the concerned vendors pay the P6,000 fee to the city treasurer’s office.

Rama clarified he has not issued special permits, by far. He said that except for legitimate business establishments that are already selling liquor and beer, no one shall be allowed to sell the drinks along the parade route.

He said granting a special permit now would create a precedent, as other companies would then seek exemption to sell intoxicating beverages in other public parks.

The Fuente Osmeña Circle is an ideal place to sell goods during the Sinulog festivities especially during the Grand Parade on January 16 because thousands are expected to flock there being an area traversed by the parade route.

City Treasurer Ofelia Oliva also said products will be confiscated if beer companies cannot present a special permit from the mayor’s office.

Even before yesterday’s meeting, beer products have been sold at night at the Fuente Osmeña Circle. In fact, tables have been set up at the park.

Rama said he is happy that many commercial establishments have signified to help the Sinulog Foundation, Inc. financially, but this does not exempt them from the city ordinance. Rama will meet with the major sponsors of this year’s Sinulog activities to discuss the matter.

In an interview with dyLA yesterday, SFI Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said there seems to be a conflict in the situation because the sale of products at the Fuente Osmeña Circle is reportedly included in the sponsorship package with beer companies.

The city has argued that intoxicating drinks invites trouble when someone has too much of it and the same is not an ideal scenario at a public park such as the Fuente Osmeña Circle during an event such as the Sinulog.   Rama earlier said “Kon tugotan nimo nga dunay makapamaligya og beer diha sa Fuente Osmeña pwerteng daghana kaha nga hubog.”   (FREEMAN NEWS)