DAGUPAN CITY—The city government brought back a ban on alcoholic drinks starting at 6 p.m. on Monday (Jan. 4) after a surge in COVID-19 cases was reported in the city.
The ban was in an executive order issued by Mayor Brian Lim, who attributed the spike in cases to holiday gatherings and celebrations.
Lim, in his order, banned the serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages in public and in all establishments, bars, restaurants, food plazas and similar places.
The ban also applies to private consumption done in the open and public view.
Establishments violating the order would be closed and their licenses revoked, the mayor said.
This is the third time that Lim imposed a ban on alcoholic drinks. The first was March until May last year. The second was last Sept. 18 to Nov. 3, 2020.
Alongside the ban, Lim also ordered a curfew imposed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. The order asked residents to stay indoors during the curfew hours except for work and if buying necessities.
The city has reported a total of 754 cases and 37 deaths since the start of the pandemic. On Monday, it had 128 active cases and two new fatalities. At least 16,263 tests had been administered.