Liquor ban lifted in Tacloban City but drinking allowed only inside homes

TACLOBAN CITY –– The ban on liquor in this city will be lifted starting Thursday, Oct. 1.

But Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez reminded the people that drinking liquor in public remained prohibited.

“You can now buy (liquor), but you have to drink it inside your homes,” Romualdez said in a press conference.

He said the city police would arrest those who would defy his orders.

Romualdez added that restaurants and bars are still prohibited from selling liquor, as this could result in the convergence of people and exposing them to the virus.

“And if this happens, we’ll be back to square one,” the city mayor said.

Romualdez had imposed a liquor ban across the city from Aug. 22 to Sept.30 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Tacloban is under the general community quarantine.

Romualdez said the city government is doing its best to address the COVID-19 situation in the city.

“We are doing all these things just to protect you,” he said.

He reiterated his appeal to the public to continue observing all the health protocols, such as wearing a face mask and physical distancing.

At present, the city has 751 COVID-19 cases with 11 deaths.

Edited by LZB