MAYOR Sara Duterte issued an executive order effectively lifting the 24-hour liquor ban in the city on Monday.
The 24-hour liquor ban was enforced in the city during the enhanced community quarantine as provided in Section 3 of Executive Order No. 23-A series of 2020 last April 6, 2020, to prevent the exposure of individuals to the COVID-19 virus through drinking sessions.
Ordinance no. 004-13 Series of 2013, or an Ordinance amending Ordinance no.1627, series of 2014, “An Ordinance regulating the Operation of the Business establishments selling liquors, coconut wine, And other Nature wine, and Other Alcoholic beverages, in the city of Davao shall be implemented.”
The selling, serving, or consuming of liquor or intoxicating drinks in the public shall be prohibited from 1 a.m to 8 a.m.
However, pursuant to section 4 of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) memorandum Circular no. 20-44, beerhouses and similar establishments whose primary business is serving of alcoholic drinks, night clubs, bars, beer garden, etc. Shall not be allowed to operate under any form of community quarantine.
Also, Section 3 of DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-39 Series of 2020 provides for the maximum allowed selling and serving of liquor per customer.
Restaurants and Fast food businesses shall be permitted to serve all kinds of food and beverages, including alcoholic drinks provided that a customer shall be allowed a maximum of two individual servings of any alcoholic beverage.
Meanwhile, the city government keeps an eye on firms selling liquor.
The public is reminded of the 1 a.m. curfew against selling and serving alcoholic and intoxicating drinks.
VRU Chief Ashley Lopez said that his office will continue to conduct regular inspection and monitoring of establishments to make sure they are following the restrictions.
“Upon lifting of the 24-hour liquor ban, people can buy alcoholic drinks in sari-sari stores, groceries, and malls and are encourage to consume liquor in their houses,” Lopez said.
The VRU chief also urged the public to practice self-discipline because the city is still under quarantine, so health protocols must still be followed at all times. The unit will also continue to monitor gatherings, especially drinking parties in houses. Meanwhile, restaurants whose main business is not selling liquor but serves alcohol drinks will be regulated. Lopez said that they are only allowed to serve two servings per customer.
“Single-serving means one shot per customer so a maximum of two shots for every customer,” he said.
