- Liquor ban violators drop in Q1 2024
THE LIQUOR ban violators dropped by 37.47% in the first quarter of 2024, the consolidated data from the Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) and the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) revealed.
The report showed only 307 individuals were apprehended from January to March 2024, down from the 491 cited in the same period last year.
During the Madayaw Dabaw interview, VRU chief Hernando Las attributed the decrease to the increased awareness of Davaoeños. In fact, most of the violators who received fines were not residents of the city.
“Ang mga tao nakabantay na sila and mostly ang madakpan namo taga gawas na,” Las said.
He said they constantly monitor businesses and establishments to ensure they comply with the rules enumerated in the Amended Liquor Ban Ordinance. He also expressed optimism that the amendments, particularly requiring valid IDs from customers, will lessen the exposure of minors to alcoholic beverages.
Persons who cannot show their ID cards and present IDs of questionable validity will be denied service. The law also strengthens the prohibition of selling liquor within the 50-meter radius of any schools and facilities frequented by minors.
DCPO spokesperson Capt. Hazel Tuazon said they support the local government unit in strictly implementing the ordinance.
“Before pa sa kausaban nga gibuhat, ang atong city director kanunay naga-mando sa atong station commanders nga i-monitor ang mga kabatan-onan especially matag gabii nga di ta gusto ma-involve sila sa illegal,” Tuazon said in an interview Wednesday with Madayaw Davao.
The official reminded that protecting the youth is a shared responsibility of the parents and the police.
“Mintras sayo pa atong kabatan-onan ato gyud silag protektahan. Ato silang i-guide as one of the agency nga nagprotekta sa ila,” she added.
Erring establishments may pay up to a P5,000 fine, imprisonment of up to one year, and the revocation of business permits.
