Pasay City eases liquor ban rule for ‘economic reasons’, to aid anxious dwellers

MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Pasay City has relaxed its liquor ban policy amid the prevailing enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to “economic reasons.”

Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano has signed Ordinance No. 6107 that would allow residents to buy alcoholic drinks despite the lockdown on the condition that they will only do so between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and consume it inside their homes.

Under Ordinance No. 6107, which copy was released Thursday, the local government recognized that retailers and small businesses in Pasay City must be helped to augment their sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also recognized that Pasay City residents should not be deprived of their choice to buy and consume alcoholic drinks “to help them deal with their anxieties.”

The local government, however, reminded the public that physical distancing must still be strictly observed during their home drinking session. Liquor companies were likewise directed to deliver alcoholic drinks to groceries and stores only from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“In no case shall drinking beyond the premises of the house, including backyards, and in any place shall be allowed,” the city ordinance further stressed.

While many local government units imposed a liquor ban during the ECQ, the Department of Trade and Industry previously clarified that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases did not approve of such a prohibition on the selling of alcoholic beverage.

KGA