Makati allows public drinking but…

Drinking in public is now allowed in Makati City, but only when dining in and with no more than two servings of alcohol.

On Wednesday, the city council approved Ordinance No. 2020-165, permitting restaurants to serve alcoholic beverages with meals. The amount of liquor, however, was limited to two wine glasses per person or a maximum of one 750 mL bottle of wine for two diners; two 330 mL bottles or two glasses of beers of that amount; and two servings of spirit or cocktail glasses. The consumption of alcohol in bulk—pitchers, buckets, or cases—will not be allowed.

Only registered food establishments may serve alcoholic drinks in the prescribed quantity, together with the meal ordered. Customers will not be allowed to buy food outside the establishment to accompany their liquor. In addition, takeout food cannot be accompanied by any alcoholic beverage.

Any person who will drink liquor without a meal in any establishment shall be penalized under City Ordinance No. 2020-152. Approved in July, it bans drinking outside one’s house during a pandemic. Violators face a fine of P5,000, or imprisonment for up to one year.

Under the same ordinance, dine-in services are strictly prohibited when the city is under enhanced community quarantine. For modified enhanced community quarantine, a maximum of 30 percent of the dine-in services will be allowed subject to strict compliance with minimum public health standards and social distancing protocols. Under general community quarantine, dine-in services may be up to 50 percent of capacity and can be further raised to 75 percent under modified general community quarantine. —Dexter Cabalza

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