Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez has lifted the ban on the sale of liquor in the city for economic reasons.
Olivarez issued Executive Order No. 2020-041 lifting the suspension of permit to sell liquor starting Monday when Metro Manila is placed under the general community quarantine (GCQ).
The city government has extended the ban on selling and serving of alcohol in the city when the national government placed Metro Manila under modified enhanced community quarantine on May 16 to address the rising number of coronavirus 2019 cases in the metropolis.
“The continued ban on alcoholic beverages contributes to the decline of the country’s economy where several workers face displacement from the possible closure of liquor companies due to business reverses,” Olivarez said.
However, selling of alcoholic drinks and beverages will only be allowed during the operating hours of establishments.
Restaurants, bars and other establishments will not be allowed to serve liquor.
Liquor may only be consumed inside residences as drinking outside the house and in public places is not allowed.
“We are reminding residents that strict health protocols such as social distancing must be observed under GCQ. Therefore, engaging in social gatherings such as inviting people to their houses to drink liquor and eating and drinking inside bars remain prohibited,” he pointed out.
Those found violating the guidelines in the EO will face penalties and sanctions, he added. (Jean Fernando)
