Bacolod City – The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod is urging the Business Permits and Licensing Office and the City Legal Office to strictly implement City Ordinance No.1251, as amended by C.O. No. 450, which prohibits the sale of liquor to minors.
City Ordinance 450 is “An Ordinance Prohibiting the Sale of Liquor to Person/s Below 18 Years of Age by Requiring Them to Provide Proof of Age.”
The resolution approved by the SP recently, authored by Councilor Em Ang, said City Ordinance No. 1251 was enacted last January 3, 1979, to safeguard the well-being and safety of minors by prohibiting the sale of liquors to individuals below the legal drinking age.
City Ordinance No. 450 was subsequently enacted, repealing specific provisions related to penalties under City Ordinance No. 1251 and adjusting the fines imposed for violations of the said ordinance, it said.
The resolution said there are reports and concerns raised by parents regarding establishments that are alleged to be serving alcoholic beverages to minors, particularly establishments located in close proximity to schools and universities.
A video trending on social media last week with an underage girl was seen being drugged and sexually harassed by four college students at a certain bar and restaurant in close proximity to a school in Barangay 7, it said.
Aside from the fact that there are negative effects on the health and well-being of children who consume alcoholic drinks, it can also lead to academic problems and engaging in risky sexual activity, the resolution said.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod recognizes the importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment for minors and believes that strict enforcement of City Ordinance No. 1251, as amended by City Ordinance No. 450, is crucial to achieving this goal, it said.
Copies of this resolution be furnished to the City Mayor’s Office, Business Permits and Licensing Office, City Legal Office and all the establishments serving liquors and alcoholic beverages for their appropriate action and information, the resolution added. (Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star (TVDS), photo courtesy of TVDS)