Amusement centers off limits to students on school days

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City has warned operators of dart and billiard halls, video arcades, videoke stores, amusement centers, and other establishments engaged in similar business to keep students at bay during class hours.

Parents have complained that sometimes their children skip classes to spend time at these places to have fun.

The police and barangay officials will help in the implementation of the ordinance regulating the operation of such places, Mayor Paz Radaza said.

The city council has also approved a separate ordinance that regulates the operation of internet cafés.

Among other things, the ordinance states that the Local Government Code of 1991 mandates all local government units to ensure the promotion of the general welfare and protection of the best interest of children.

The ordinance shall apply and cover all individuals, corporations, and other business establishments engaged in the business of operating, billiard balls, video arcades, videoke stores, amusement centers, and other similar facilities within the city.

The owner, proprietor, manager, operators, attendant and representative of any billiard and dart hall, video arcade, videoke store, amusement center and other establishments engaged in similar business within the City of Lapu-Lapu shall not allow admission or entry into its premises or the use of its facilities during school days from 7:30 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon for day-school students, and from 5:00 in the afternoon to 9:00 in the evening for night-school students, with the following exemptions: When the student is accompanied by his/her parent or guardian and when there are no classes on Saturdays, Sundays and declared holidays.

Violation of any or the provisions of the ordinance shall be a ground for the immediate imposition of penalties.

For the first offense - suspension of the business permit or license for three months and a penalty of P1,000.00.

For second offense - suspension of the business permit or license for six months and a penalty of P3,000.

Third offense - suspension of the business permit or license, closure of the facility and a penalty of P5,000.

Authorized to inspect such facilities are the Office of the City Mayor, Office of the City Engineer, Philippine National Police, barangay captains and or tanods within their respective barangays, the Business Inspection Board or its equivalent. - THE FREEMAN