BY NOEL TALACAY
THE Makati City government yesterday declared a total ban on the public consumption of alcoholic drinks while the country remains under a state of calamity similar to the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) health emergency.
Makati City legal officer and spokesman Don Camina said Ordinance No. 2020-152 was passed to prevent “situations that could further endanger lives during a crisis.” It will take effect on July 14.
The ordinance was drafted following the recent incident in one of Makati’s high-end bars which held a private dining and drinking party despite the prevailing national ban on social gatherings.
The ordinance imposes a fine of P5,000 on the first offense; P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than one month or both on the second offense; and P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than a year, or both at the discretion of the court, on the third and succeeding offenses.
For minor violators, first time offenders will be placed under the custody of the punong barangay or authorized social worker, parent or legal guardian. The erring minor will undergo counseling and attend a seminar facilitated by the Makati Social Welfare Department (MSWD), and his/her benefits from the city government will be suspended.
On the second and succeeding offenses, the parent or guardian will be fined P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than one month, or both at the discretion of the court. Both will undergo the necessary intervention and rehabilitation programs under the MSWD.
Camina said the city government is not stopping Makatizens from consuming alcohol but discourages them from doing so in public places.
Aside from their homes, Makatizens can drink alcohol inside their rooms in hotels, motels, apartments, apartelles, bed and breakfast, transient houses, dormitories, and bed spaces.
