2 karaoke bars face closure

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Hall threatens to close two Karaoke joints in Barangay Kasambagan if their owners would not renew their business permits and ignore the law requiring them to install sound reduction devices to prevent too much noise, particularly during night time.

City Treasurer Emma Villarete said the Joint Inspection Team inspected Eva-Ray Music Lounge at F. Cabahug Street and Chill Out situated at Sitio Panagdait because of the complaint of Gabriel R. Quisumbing, a resident of Barangay Kasambagan.

Quisumbing complained because of the excessive noise from the two establishments even during the wee hours of the morning, disturbing the nearby residents.

During the inspection, it was found that Eva-Ray Music Lounge owned by Eva Dela Peña is operating a videoke machine and that its sound can be heard outside because the place is not fully enclosed with glass as what the Anti-Noise Ordinance provides.

It was also found that the establishment is selling and serving liquor and beer without the necessary permits. The team issued Dela Peña a notice to comply with the required permit and other requirements.

When the team also inspected Chill Out owned by Marilou Dumadapat, they  found that it has no permit to sell liquor and other beverages beyond 10 p.m. and its employees have no health cards and the establishment also has no sanitary permit.

Chill Out also operates a videoke machine that can be heard outside because there are no enclosures or sound reduction devices installed. —/JPM (FREEMAN)