CALOOCAN CITY, July 9 (PIA) – The City Government of Makati bans drinking of liquor outside one’s residence during a state of calamity, public health emergency or similar emergency declarations.

According to Mayor Abby Binay, the City Council has approved Ordinance No. 2020-152 that aims to protect residents from endangering themselves and others while in a drunken state during calamities and other public emergency situations.

“Drinking in the confines of one’s own home is safer, but it’s best to avoid drinking altogether during a crisis,” Binay said of the Ordinance that will take effect July 14.

The same ordinance prohibits drinking liquor in the point of sale, including stores and other establishments where the product was purchased. Tenants and guests at hotels, motels, apartments, apartelles, bed and breakfast, transient houses, dormitories, and bed spaces shall be allowed to drink only inside their own rooms or accommodations.

Aside from the errant individual, the person in-charge of said establishments will be held liable for any violation committed in their premises, unless they exercised diligence in prohibiting such an act.

The ordinance imposes a fine of P5,000 on the first offense; P5,000 or imprisonment for not more than one month, or both on the second offense; and P5,000 or imprisonment for not more than a year, or both at the discretion of the court, on the third and succeeding offenses.

Binay said the city will clamp down on Makati restobars hosting private dining and drinking parties which pose danger in spreading COVID-19 infection.

“We’re clamping down on these types of establishments where it’s difficult, if not impossible, to enforce social distancing,” she said.

The mayor said the city government received reports that while bars are still prohibited from operating under General Community Quarantine, certain establishments are flouting IATF rules by hosting so-called “private parties” where alcohol is served to more than 10 people.

“Ten is the maximum number of persons allowed in a gathering, but restobars skirt this rule by claiming they’re allowed to fill up to 50 percent of the restaurant’s capacity,” Binay said.

“The city government understands the desire of business owners to earn and survive amidst the pandemic, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of public health. We want to help them but they’re trying to be clever by circumventing rules. Thus, establishments like Skylounge where more than 100 people were arrested during a recent drinking party won’t be tolerated,” the mayor stressed.

Meanwhile, minors caught violating the new city ordinance for the first time will be placed under the custody of the Punong Barangay or authorized social worker. The offender will be escorted and released to his parent or legal guardian, who will be admonished by the barangay official. Both will undergo counselling and seminar through the Makati Social Welfare Department (MSWD). Failure to comply with said requirement will cause the suspension of benefits from the city government.

On the second and succeeding offenses, the parent or guardian will be fined P5,000 or imprisoned for not more than one month, or both at the discretion of the court. Both will undergo the necessary intervention and rehabilitation programs under the MSWD. (ICRD Makati/PIA-NCR)