Pasay City bans sale of liquor to non-residents

MANILA, Philippines — The Pasay City local government has passed an ordinance that prohibits the sale of liquor to non-residents amid the rising cases of COVID-19.

In a statement on Thursday, the Pasay City LGU said that its city council approved City Ordinance No. 6162, which amends Section 2 of Ordinance No. 6145.

Under the ordinance, only Pasay residents are allowed to purchase liquor within city from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., provided that they show proof of their residency.

The ordinance also states that non-residents of the city are restricted from purchasing, selling, or offering for sale any liquor products within the city until such time that the community quarantine has been lifted in Metro Manila.

The LGU added that establishments within Pasay City, such as restaurants and hotels, are allowed to serve liquor within the prescribed period but they must be consumed within the establishments only.

“Consumption of any kind of alcoholic drinks is allowed as long as it is done inside of the house and physical distancing is strictly observed. In no case shall drinking beyond the premises of the house, including backyards, and in any public place shall be allowed,” the ordinance read.

As of March 24, Pasay City has 10,629 COVID-19 cases, of which 927 are active infections.

Meanwhile, the city recorded 146 new recoveries, bringing its total to 9,375. The city’s death toll for COVID-19, however, stands at 276.

JE