BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Sixteen commercial establishments were temporarily closed for serving alcoholic beverages while the city is under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) status.
Major Sherlock Gabana, head of Emergency Operations Center (EOC) contact tracing, they conducted surprise inspections on more than 30 establishments and 16 of these were caught in the act of serving alcoholic beverages to customers last Thursday night 12 November.
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia had earlier issued an executive order allowing the consumption of alcoholic beverages but in private residences only.
Drinking beyond the premises of the house and in any public place is prohibited.
Gabana said they have temporarily closed for 24 hours the establishments caught violating the order.
He added that if these establishments continue serving alcoholic beverages as prohibited by such order, they will be referred to the Bacolod City Legal Office (CLO).
Meanwhile, the EOC team also halted the operations of a waterpark resort in Bacolod City after it was reported violating health protocols.
The Caribbean Water Park and Resotel allegedly hosted a children’s party amid quarantine restrictions.
During the inspection, children below 15 were seen and alcoholic beverages were served in the area.
City Legal Officer, lawyer Joselito Bayatan said the businessmen must have a misconception of the protocols in the community quarantine status of the city.