Resto-bars, clubs, and other entertainment establishments in Iloilo City have been allowed to reopen and serve alcoholic beverages but only for individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Considering that the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) does not have any mandate on the public consumption of liquor, we will allow as long as the individual is fully vaccinated,” Mayor Jerry Treñas said in a statement on Thursday, Nov. 18.
“The sale and public consumption of liquor shall be allowed any time of the day,” he added.
According to the mayor, establishments offering liquor must require either vaccination cards or certificates for entry.
“[They] shall admit fully vaccinated individuals while observing 50% indoor capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and 70% outdoor capacity,” said Treñas.
The mayor appealed to drinkers to be responsible.
“We do not want to hear news of vehicular accidents because of drunkenness,” he said.
The lifting of liquor ban is expected to help “a number of businesses recover from the impacts of the pandemic.”
“As we try to open more economic activities after more than a year of decline, we also want to secure the safety of the community as the virus continues to pose threat to the lives of the people,” said Trenas.
“As the father of the city, I also plea that despite opening more opportunities for leisure and entertainment, let us still continue to be vigilant and follow the safety protocols to ensure that we avoid the surge of cases,” he further said.
The entire city is currently under Alert Level 2.IMT/Photo by Ian Paul Cordero
