Now here’s something Pasay City residents can look forward to.
The city’s local government has lifted its monthlong liquor ban yesterday, becoming the first Metro Manila municipality to do so.
City Hall passed Ordinance No. 6107, signed by Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano on May 4 but released just yesterday, which said it was necessary to end the ban so that small stores could have an additional source of income while the COVID-19 crisis ongoing in the National Capital Region. The local government added that they are lifting the ban because they do not wish to “deprive constituents with the choice to buy and consume alcoholic drinks to help them deal with their anxieties.”
Sounds about right.
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However, the ordinance said that social distancing should be observed in the selling and purchase of alcohol, and that drinking in public spaces is still forbidden.
“Consumption of any kind of alcoholic drinks (sic) is allowed as long as it is done inside of the house and physical distancing is strictly observed. In no case shall drinking beyond the premises of the house, including backyards, and in any public place shall be allowed,” the ordinance said.
Let’s drink to that.
Last month, booze manufacturers appealed to the national government to lift the alcohol ban, saying that the policy severely impacts their businesses. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said, however, that it is up to the local governments to implement or lift their own bans, and added that the Philippines’ anti-coronavirus task force have not decided on the issue.
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