'Ban on sale of alcoholic drinks near Manila schools stays'

MANILA, Philippines -  Business establishment operating near schools in Manila cannot sell alcoholic beverages.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim during a meeting at the Manila City Hall yesterday with parents, students, faculty members and school authorities from the De La Salle University (DLSU), DLSU-College of St. Benilde and St. Scholastica’s College and establishment owners operating near the schools, said he has re-imposed the ban on the sale of liquor near schools.

Manila Police District Station 9 Senior Superintendent Dominador Arevalo Jr., city engineer Armand Andres, bureau of permits acting director Senen Tomada and mayor’s complaint and action team head retired colonel Franklin Gacutan also attended the meeting.

Lim said a total of 27 establishments which violated existing regulations on the ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks within the prohibited radius have been closed down.

He ordered concerned officials to ensure that such establishments remain closed, noting that some of those which have been closed down just apply for a new business name.

The establishment owners, for their part vowed to comply with the regulation and assured the mayor and school authorities that they do not allow students into the bars especially during school hours.

“Establishments cannot put up for their defense the permits issued to them. These permits are revocable the moment they violate the regulations set by the city to govern their operations,” Lim pointed out.

He also stressed that the rights of businessmen will be respected for as long as they operate within the bounds set by the city.