Kuerks’ closure expected today

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Hall may implement the closure of the controversial Kuerks bar today.

City attorney Jerone Castillo said they are drafting the closure order which is expected to be forwarded to Mayor Michael Rama today. Rama said he will sign the order as soon as it reaches his office.

“Whatever the recommendation of the city attorney is, I will sign it,” the mayor said.

Castillo said the team that served the notice confirmed that Kuerks bar personnel refused to receive the notice.

“If you refuse to receive our notices, it would be a waiver on your part to avail of due process requirement,” Castillo told reporters.

Upon refusal to receive the served notice Friday evening, the 72-hour period started.

Notice to show cause gives the bar a chance to convince the city government to reconsider its initial findings in moving for the closure of the establishment for violating anti-liquor, anti-noise and tax ordinances.

With the refusal, the city legal office moves to the next due process of posting the notice with a note of refusal signed by the team.

Since the 72-hour period lapsed yesterday, the closure notice could be served today, Castillo said.

He added that apart from Kuerks, notices of violation were also sent to other erring bars.

Meanwhile, gasoline stations and convenient stores selling alcoholic beverages will now be seriously acted upon by the Liquor Licensing Commission.

The LLC chairman Msgr. Achilles Dakay revealed this was discussed during yesterday’s meeting, noting that the group agreed to have the commission’s approval before any operational permits are issued by the city government.

“With gasoline stations selling liquor, it clearly contradicts the campaign against driving under the influence of alcohol,” Dakay told reporters.

He also said they will be enforcing the anti-liquor ordinance banning establishments from selling alcohol 100 meters from schools.

LLC will also participate in the composite inspection team checking establishments for possible violations of the ordinance. —/BRP (FREEMAN)