QC gov’t closes resto bar for quarantine violations

Members of Quezon City BPLD closes a restobar along Tomas Morato Avenue for breaching health rules during the implementation of GCQ. /QC PIO

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government shuttered on Saturday a restobar along Tomas Morato Avenue for quarantine violations.

Earlier, members of the Quezon City Police apprehended 95 people for drinking while inside the restobar.

In a statement, Quezon City Public Information Office (PIO) said members of the city government’s Bureau of Permits and Licensing Department served the closure order against the establishment on Saturday afternoon.

“After the closure, the BPLD will further evaluate the business and will impose the necessary punishment,” said the statement.

In the same statement, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte warned other owners and operators of nightclubs and restobars to follow the city’s health rules or face closure and other penalties. The mayor said drinking in public is one of the causes for the rise of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the city.

“Inilalagay niyo sa panganib ang buhay ng inyong mga customer at iba pang mga residente dahil ang pag-inom sa publiko ay isa sa mga rason sa pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19 sa ating lungsod,” she said.

(You are putting the customers and other residents in danger because drinking in public places is one of the causes of the rise in COVID-19 cases here in the city.)

Under the general community quarantine (GCQ) guidelines of the city, restobars, night clubs, and other leisure and entertainment centers are restricted from operating. Restobars must only operate as restaurants.

/MUF