Bacolod City curfew won’ be lifted, but alcohol consumption in restaurants, hotels to be allowed

BACOLOD CITY –– Curfew in Bacolod City will not be lifted, while the consumption of alcoholic beverages in restaurants, hotels, and other establishments will be allowed from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. only.

Dr. Chris Sorongon, Emergency Operations Center Task Force Deputy for Medical and Data Analysis, said the policy was agreed in a zoom meeting between city officials and members of the business community last Friday to keep the economy turning with caution.

The business community had sought the lifting of the city curfew and permission to serve alcoholic beverages.

The purchase of alcoholic beverages from stores would still be from noon to 6 p.m., and consumption in public places would be allowed only from 6 to 9 p.m. with the proper observance of health protocols, Sorongon said.

The businessmen, who joined the Zoom meeting, assured that they would guard their ranks, Sorongon said, stressing that liquor would not be served to persons 18 years old and below.

All establishments serving liquor must also have their Bacolod Contact Tracing system in place, Sorongon said.

Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran will meet with the barangay captains to ensure compliance with health protocols in the consumption of alcoholic beverages in establishments in their areas during the 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. period.

It was agreed that if there is a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases, a liquor ban will be reimposed.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia is expected to issue an executive order to formalize the agreement.

LZB