Metro mayors to discuss return of liquor ban

BY NOREEN JAZUL

Heavy drinkers will still have time to stock as Metro mayors have yet to decide whether the liquor ban will be re-imposed in the National Capital Region (NCR), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos said Friday.

“Yung liquor ban di namin na discuss kagabi. Lumabas na lang nung pagkatapos ng meeting,” Abalos told GMA News.

The MMDA met with the Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Thursday to review COVID-19 policies being implemented in the NCR following a rise in cases.

Abalos said the possible re-implementation of the liquor ban will be discussed in their next meeting.

The OCTA Research Group on March 11 suggested that local government units (LGUs) impose a liquor ban anew amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the Metro.

The group also recommended a stricter implementation of the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) to prevent overwhelming hospitals with patients.

Abalos said one of the reasons why the unified curfew will be imposed anew is to clear the streets of loiterers who either are just having a drinking or gossip session or playing bingo or other games.