QC’s Belmonte orders restaurant closed

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has ordered the closure of a bar and restaurant which features prominent folk singers because of noise pollution and for operating without a mayor’s permit for the past two years.

Pacifico Maghacot, chief of the city government’s Bureau of Licensing and Permit Office (BPLO), said his personnel padlocked Conspiracy Garden Cafe last Tuesday with police operatives led by Superintendent Nestor Abalos assisting them. The bar is located along Visayas Avenue, not far from the Quezon Memorial.

Maghacot said the restaurant, which features nightly shows of popular singers, was the subject of a complaint from resident Nelly Leopando.

After an initial inspection it was also found out that although the firm was paying its taxes and other regulatory fees, it had failed to secure a mayor’s permit in the last two years.

Although the bar has sound proofing, it failed noise pollution tests conducted by the city government.

"The city government will allow the restaurant to operate again if it can comply with the necessary requirements and address the noise problem it generates during its nightly shows," Maghacot said. — Perseus Echeminada