• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod Councilor Celia Flor is eyeing an updated ordinance prohibiting the selling of liquor and other intoxicants to minors in the highly-urbanized city.
Flor, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Women, Gender, Family and Childcare, said it has been 44 years since City Ordinance 1251, which prohibits the sale of liquor, beer, or other intoxicants to persons below 18 years old, was enacted, and 16 years since its amendment.
“Societal norms, attitudes, and understanding of the impacts of underage alcohol consumption have evolved, prompting the need for a comprehensive review and potential revision of the existing ordinance to align with contemporary perspectives,” the councilor explained.
Flor said that in a committee hearing she earlier initiated, the Business Permits and Licensing Office told her that some of the eateries or food stalls do not declare that they sell liquors, thus they are able to get permits even if they operate near schools.
These stalls and eateries were recently inspected, and the violations discovered, with several of them issued warnings and a few ordered closed.
“There was also a discussion that various ordinances tackling the selling alcohol specifically to minors have varied time and distance prohibitions, which causes confusion,” Flor said in her committee report adopted by the SP Oct. 3. “(There are also) establishments located near schools and selling alcoholic beverages; and confusion with regards to the definition of selling, serving, and dispensing”.
She said she will consolidate these ordinances into one and will specify the protocols, designated time, and distance, and other guidelines for business establishments.
The consolidation of related ordinances on serving alcohol to minors aims to eliminate inconsistencies, and come up with one measure that is fair, practicable, and enforceable, Flor said, adding that she will also draft guidelines or protocols on how business owners can check if the customers they are serving, selling, or dispensing liquor to are minors. | CGC
