- MITCH M. LIPA
The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the recent conditions set by the Emergency Operation Center of Bacolod City for easing restrictions covering the liquor ban.
Frank Carbon, MBCCI chief executive officer, said that since Saturday most hotels, restaurants and carinderias are now serving alcoholic drinks from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. only and as long as it is inside their premises.
MBCCI officers and members of the Hotel and Restaurant Association in Negros and Resorts Association in Negros had a virtual meeting with the members of the EOC and some city officials over the weekend.
Carbon clarified that businesses purely selling alcoholic drinks and engaged in entertainment and related industries are not covered by the EOC conditions in compliance with the rules set by the National Inter-Agency Task Force.
The purchase of alcohol beverages from stores is allowed from 12 noon to 6pm for those who wish to consume the same in their respective homes.
Businessmen who joined the meeting gave assurances that they will police their own ranks, stressing that the management of every establishment will be responsible to strictly implement physical distancing of customers and related health protocols.
Liquor will not be served to those who are under 18 years old.
All establishments allowed to serve alcoholic beverages should have their Bacolod Contact Tracing System in place.
Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran will also meet with the barangay captains to help ensure that similar EOC conditions will not be abused by business establishments located in their respective areas.
Carbon said it was also agreed that if there is a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases, the liquor ban will be reimposed. – MML
