CEBU CITY—Authorities shut down a shoe store here after it announced a sale that drew a large crowd with no social distancing in violation of COVID-19 protocol.
The JS Footwear on Sanson Road at the village of Lahug was closed by police and city officials a few minutes before its scheduled opening.
Videos circulating on social media showed hundreds of people lining up outside the store.
According to store owners Eden Grace and Jhustine Cabor, they did not expect an overwhelming number of people to show up.
They promised to correct their mistakes so their store could reopen.
Authorities, however, found that the store did not have special permits from the Department of Trade and Industry while its business permit was still pending at City Hall.
A show cause order was issued to the store owners which required them to explain why they should not be held liable for violating COVID-19 protocol.
The shoe store was supposed to hold its 11-11 grand opening sale offering three pairs of shoes for only P998.
Police had to conduct a countdown for the crowd to disperse.
Lt. Col. Wilbert Parilla, deputy chief of operations of the city police, said officials had to give an ultimatum to shoppers since some refused to leave the store premises.