Taguig reimposes liquor curfew

The Taguig City government said Friday that a curfew on the sale and serving of liquor in the city’s entertainment establishments will once again be observed.

Taguig Mayor Sigfrido Tiñga said the city government temporarily lifted Ordinance 36 – a local law that imposes a curfew on the trade of alcoholic drinks – last November to “give way to the holiday season” but has reimposed it starting Jan. 15.

Ordinance 36 allows manufacturers and authorized dealers to sell liquor and other alcoholic beverages until 10 p.m.

In the case of restaurants, cafés, bars, nightclubs and similar enterprises, a 2 a.m. deadline applies to customers’ last call to order. Such establishments should wrap up the day’s operations by 2:30 a.m. and must remain closed until 6 a.m.

Tiñga has ordered the city’s Business Permits and Licenses Office (BPLO) to strictly implement the ordinance through constant monitoring. He said the ordinance does not seek to intervene in business, but to curb alcohol-related crimes by regulating the sale and serving of liquors particularly during the wee hours.

BPLO head Jeffe Minglana said the city government will impose stiff penalties, suspension or even revocation of business licenses to those who will not comply.

According to Taguig police chief, Superintendent Camilo Cascolan, cases of violence and aggression involving illegal drugs were greatly reduced, following the strict imposition of curfews all over the city.

Amid reports that nightspots are possible trading grounds for illegal drugs, Tiñga also called on the business community – particularly bar, restaurant and exclusive club owners – to “be responsible in cleaning up their backyards.” – Rhodina Villanueva