Iloilo councilor wants to ban drinking alcohol in public

MANILA, Philippines – Drinking alcohol on the sidewalks and other public streets may soon be banned in Iloilo City.

Councilor Jose Efrain Treñas III has proposed an ordinance that would regulate the sale of liquor and make it punishable to drink any alcoholic or intoxicating beverages on sidewalks and public streets within the city.

In his proposed ordinance, Treñas noted that, for “safety reasons,” the public has not been using the city’s streets and public places.

He said citizens do not “feel secure” passing through these areas “due to malpractices of some unscrupulous individuals who want only to utilize these areas for drinking and loitering.”

The proposal aims to regulate the sale of alcohol through the creation of the Iloilo City Liquor Licensing and Regulatory Council, which will be tasked to issue licenses allowing sari-sari stores and establishments to sell liquor.

The proposed ordinance will impose a fine of P2,000 on anyone caught drinking in public or selling liquor without licenses.

Exemptions will be made during special occasions or festivals, such as Chinese New Year and the Dinagyang Festival. – Rappler.com

(‘Droplets on freshly poured beer‘ image courtesy Shutterstock)