The selling of alcohol, cigarettes, and vape products to students and minors is prohibited in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.
City Ordinance 2026-009, signed by Mayor Jose Luis Jalandoni Aug. 27, prohibits business establishments from selling or providing intoxicating liquor, cigarettes, and vape products to anyone under 18, as well as to students wearing school uniforms and displaying school IDs, regardless of age, especially during school hours.
The ordinance also holds minors and students accountable, the city said in a press release Sept. 7.
It is now unlawful for anyone under 18 years old to buy or use these products, and for uniformed students to do so during class hours even if they are already of legal age.
Stores, groceries, restaurants, bars, and similar establishments within a 100-meter radius of schools are barred from displaying or selling these products during class hours.
All covered businesses must post a 2-by-3-foot notice — to be provided by the city government — warning that such sales to minors and students are strictly prohibited.
Businesses caught violating the ordinance face a P1,000 fine for the first offense, P3,000 for the second, and P5,000 plus a six-month business closure for the third and succeeding offenses.
Schools, meanwhile, are required to post notices barring students under the influence of alcohol from entering the campus and to run continuous information campaigns for students, staff, and parents.
School authorities may confiscate prohibited items found in students’ possession, the city said.
Minors and students caught violating the ordinance will not face fines. Instead, they will be referred to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for counseling, with parents or guardians required to appear for intervention.
Cases involving students caught during class hours will also be coursed through their school under existing Department of Education rules.
The ordinance took effect Sept. 6, or 10 days after its Aug. 27 approval, following compliance with posting and publication requirements. ||
